The NBA Trade Deadline is weeks away, and it's anyone's guess what the Milwaukee Bucks will do.
A significant reason for that is their current predicament of being firmly stuck in the second apron. Shackled by that, they are limited in terms of what they can do in trades, but the prominent issue is that they cannot aggregate salaries in any trade. They currently sit $6.5 million above the fine line, and clearing salary to get under it could make things far easier to make more moves.
Per HoopsHype's Michael Scotto, rival executives are keeping an eye on Pat Connaughton, who has a $9.4 million salary this year, as a possible trade target to help the Bucks eradicate this predicament.
Moving Connaughton would give the Bucks needed flexibility
Getting out of the second apron would open the door to allowing the Milwaukee Bucks to get a lot more creative in other trades. Notably, there are plenty of rumors connecting Jimmy Butler to the team, and moving Connaughton is the first step in that process. Yet, if they miss out on Butler, the Bucks would still have countless more options due to the ability to combine salaries in trades.
The big question mark here is whether the Milwaukee Bucks could find anyone willing to take on Connaughton's hefty salary. Not only is he making $9.4 million this season, but he has an option worth the same figure for next season. Given the wing's regression over the past several seasons, teams won't be banging down the door to bring him in.
As noted by Scotto, the Detroit Pistons are the most logical suitor, given their ample amount of cap space to help them absorb salary. However, what would it take? Would the Pistons take on all of the money owed to Connaughton for a second round pick? The Bucks certainly will not offer their first rounder in a salary dump, but their one second might not be enough either.
The Milwaukee Bucks just might have to hope their Central Division foe is willing to do them a solid.
Pat Connaughton will always be a Milwaukee hero due to his efforts during the 2021 title run, but the time to trade him is now, especially with the young Bucks overtaking him in the pecking order. If the Milwaukee Bucks can move him and find a meaningful upgrade after due to the new flexibility, they'd perhaps have some new life as they chase another NBA title.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.