The 2024 NBA Trade Deadline is rapidly approaching, and with the Milwaukee Bucks currently in a massive slump, fans want to see some movement sooner rather than later.
The trade market is shaping up to be exciting, with many household names across the NBA seemingly available in some capacity. Unlike the past couple of years where there were constant rumors coming out about Milwaukee's pursuit of players like P.J. Tucker or Jae Crowder, there has been essentially no rumors to report on in terms of interested targets.
With no rumors to go off of yet, fans have put together their own targets and possible trade packages to get them in green. I asked fans on the app formerly known as Twitter to give me the best proposals they could think of so that I could break them down and grade them. Here are the results.
Breaking down and grading 10 trade proposals from the Bucks fanbase
Bucks go all-in on defense with Bulls, Clippers
Via - @DylanPeter160
With the Bucks struggling so mightily on defense now, why not go after three household defenders?
Alex Caruso is among the hottest targets on the market, and he'd immediately help make this team more formidable on defense. An All-Defensive honoree last season, the 6-foot-5 guard would make life so much easier for other Bucks, particularly Damian Lillard in the backcourt.
Bucks fans - and potentially even the Bucks themselves - may still have admiration for P.J. Tucker, who helped them win it all in 2021. Even if Tucker is not the player he was then, the toughness and intensity he brings would help a team that has looked somewhat lifeless at times this season.
As for Carter, another familiar face, he'd bring more defense to the backcourt, giving Milwaukee a guard who is willing to pick opponents up 94 feet and flat-out hound them. He's got familiarity with many of these players and could instantly slide into the lineup.
The Bucks would be much more formidable defensively with these three, giving them a trio of very versatile pieces who can fit in endless lineup combinations.
As for the outgoing pieces, the Bucks would essentially clean out their bench. It might sting for some to see players like Bobby Portis and Pat Connaughton go, but they've both been struggling mightily in 2023-24. Beauchamp has potential, but the Bucks may prefer win-now pieces if it's a deal like this.
The Clippers would likely give the thumbs up to this one very quickly, given that Tucker has not been a prominent piece in their rotation this season. If they could get a potential Sixth Man of the Year big man to shore up their depth for him, they'd take it.
It's incredibly unlikely that the Bulls would even entertain this. There are teams who would at least be willing to offer one, if not two, first-rounders for Caruso. Them not even getting a single second in this deal would almost certainly get some higher-ups fired.
Sure, Beauchamp has potential, but is he worth the equivalent of a first-round pick? Probably not in the eyes of the Bulls. Connaughton and Payne are both having down years and would not be too desirable in exchange for Caruso. Even if the Bucks added their two second-rounders, it'd be unlikely.
Grade for Milwaukee: A+
Grade for Chicago: F
Grade for LA: A+
Via - @Uncle__Jrue
Everyone wants to see the Bucks get more versatile on the defensive side of the ball. This would help.
Chris Boucher is a 6-foot-10 big man who can play many different positions. He's not a needle-tipper on defense, but he can provide fine shot-blocking down low. On offense, he's a decent perimeter shooter, so he'd fit in with Milwaukee's tradition of wanting floor-stretching big men.
Meanwhile, Thybulle is the type of defensive-minded wing this team needs. At 6-foot-5, he's capable of guarding an assortment of different players while being extremely switchable. He's never been an offensive player, but the Bucks need a player who can provide assistance defensively above all else.
The inclusion of a 2028 first-rounder coming to Milwaukee is an eyebrow-raiser. In all likelihood, that would not be a part of a deal with this type of framework. Given how much of a slump most of these outgoing players on Milwaukee's end have struggled this season, getting a pick back is unlikely.
Looking at the players leaving, it's a similar package to the last deal in the sense that Milwaukee's bench would lose a good chunk of its depth. Yet, Thybulle and Boucher could be nice newcomers to replenish Milwaukee's wing and big man depth.
From Toronto's POV, Boucher hasn't played a big role this year, so perhaps they would be fine with moving him. Is he worth an experienced veteran and a young sharpshooter? It's not the worst deal they could potentially get for the 30-year-old.
As for Portland, they likely wouldn't do this. Thybulle is a promising young player who fits their roster and timeline better than Portis right now. They likely wouldn't love the idea of packaging him with a first round pick as well as they rebuild following the Damian Lillard trade.
Perhaps taking out the first rounder could help, but even then, it's up in the air.
Grade for Milwaukee: A
Grade for Raptors: B-
Grade for Blazers: C+
Bucks add two wings in trade with Hawks
Via - @TheRealMJR22
With the Atlanta Hawks featured so heavily in trade rumors, the Bucks should certainly call them.
In terms of desirable two-way wings, it doesn't get much better than De'Andre Hunter. He's 6-foot-8 and can match up against plenty of different archetypes, which is exactly what the Bucks need now. When top wings come to town, Hunter could take the assignment of guarding them.
On offense, he's no slouch either. For his career, he's averaged 14 points per game while shooting over 36 percent from three. This season, he's currently having a career year from three, knocking in over 40 percent of his 3-pointers. Numbers like that would certainly help Milwaukee.
The other incoming part of this trade would not be just a throw-in. AJ Griffin, son of Bucks coach Adrian Griffin, has plenty of untapped potential. He's taken a step back this season after missing time due to personal reasons, but at 20 years old, he's got room to grow on both sides of the ball.
Griffin is another 6-foot-6 player who, at the bare minimum, would provide more depth on the wing. Teams can never have enough wing depth in today's NBA. However, perhaps Griffin could break into the rotation and be a serviceable piece if his father can bring the best out of him.
Outgoing, the Bucks would ship out their two best bench players and a reserve who doesn't see time on the regular in Robin Lopez. Hunter and Griffin would be immediate upgrades over Connaughton and Portis, giving the Bucks a pair of stellar wings.
In reality, this is a pretty lopsided trade. Per The Athletic's Shams Charania (subscription required), Hunter and Griffin were two key pieces in the framework of Pascal Siakam trade talks last summer. That is still on the table, so it would be incredibly odd if they settled for something like this instead.
Atlanta also not getting a single draft pick from Milwaukee in this is outrageous. Even the Bucks' two second-rounders added in, it's hard to imagine the Hawks entertaining this deal when there are no shortage of bigger fish out there they can pursue before the trade deadline.
Grade for Milwaukee: A+
Grade for Atlanta: D
Bucks swap a big and a point guard with Jazz
Via - @Logeyj
The Bucks saw what these two players were capable of in their recent match with the Utah Jazz.
Kris Dunn has become quite a popular fan-favorite trade target after Ben Anderson of KSL Sports suggested that he'd fit nicely for them. It's easy to see the fit, as Dunn could serve as the backup point guard and provide tough defense whenever he touches the court.
While Cameron Payne, who would head to Utah in this deal, has had a fine season, Dunn might be a better fit for Milwaukee right now due to his defense. At this point, the team needs as many players who can play defense as possible, and Dunn earns the nod in that regard.
Looking at Kelly Olynyk, he's no defensive ace, but perhaps he could be an offensive sparkplug for a Milwaukee bench that needs one. He's currently averaging 8..2 points while putting up career-bests in 3-point percentage (43.3 percent) and assists (4.5 per game).
Is Olynyk an upgrade over Portis? Typically, the answer would be no, but with Portis being locked in such a slump for most of the season, it's certainly more up for debate than it normally would be when comparing their numbers this season, especially from behind the arc.
This deal would help the Bucks a touch on the defensive end with the insertion of Dunn. Olynyk may not help much on that end, but he could provide help as a scorer, shooter, and facilitator. It wouldn't be the worst deal for the Jazz, getting a quality big man, a veteran guard, and a pick.
If the Bucks are trading Portis, they'd likely want to get a clear-cut upgrade on the defensive side of the ball, such as Hunter or Thybulle, but that's just speculation.
Grade for Milwaukee: B
Grade for Utah: B
Bucks bring back a familiar face courtesy of Blazers
Via - @brewcitypaul
A reunion? This would certainly shock a good chunk of Milwaukee Bucks fans if it came to fruition.
Malcolm Brogdon spent the first three years of his career in Milwaukee and developed into a quality two-way guard. As a member of the Boston Celtics, he won the Sixth Man of the Year Award for the 2022-23 NBA season for his strong play off of the bench.
Despite dealing with some injuries, Brogdon is still a player who could help Milwaukee. At 6-foot-4, he's not the wing stopper this team needs, but he could provide some much-needed resistance on the defensive end against opposing guards and occasionally forwards.
Offensively, he could give Milwaukee more quality scoring, shooting, and facilitating, as he's averaged 15.4 points and 4.6 assists per game while shooting 39 percent from deep for his career. Even if their defense is what Milwaukee needs to focus on improving the most, this offense would help as well.
Another intriguing aspect of this deal is that it would open up two roster spots for Milwaukee to use on players of their choice. They'd certainly need a new backup big with Portis gone, and they could also add another player, more than likely a defensive-minded wing.
Brogdon's career injury history may make this a bit of a gamble for the Bucks, but it's certainly not a horrible deal on their end. As for Portland, if they are willing to entertain trading Brogdon, they could get more for him than this.
Portis could be a nice piece for them, but even if they do not want to keep him, perhaps they could look to flip him at some point like they did with Jrue Holiday. Connaughton could be a nice veteran presence for a young unit. Chris Livingston is a potential-filled youngster who fits Portland's timeline.
A young team looking for a veteran floor general to take the next step might even be willing to cough up a first-rounder. Even with Milwaukee's second-rounders, Portland would likely look elsewhere to get better draft compensation.
Grade for Milwaukee: B+
Grade for Portland: C+
Bucks bring back another familiar face, this time from the Clippers
Via - @brewcitypaul
This is perhaps a more realistic trade proposal that would see the Bucks bring back P.J. Tucker.
It's already been highlighted how Tucker's defense, intensity, and toughness could help a team that is lacking those characteristics right now. At 38 and currently having one of his least-productive years, Tucker would not change life for Milwaukee, but he could undeniably help them.
Crafting a trade package for Tucker is tricky because of his $11.5 million salary. A straight-up swap with Bobby Portis works, but that would be bad for the Bucks, even if Portis is currently battling an incredible slump. He still has much more value than Tucker.
Tucker for Connaughton would be much easier to stomach, but that would not work out financially. The Bucks would have to include another minimum player to get the money right. Ideally, they could include Robin Lopez or Cameron Payne to give this mock trade the green light.
In this proposed deal, the Bucks would include Chris Livingston to make it work. As strange as it may seem to say, this writer would not want to include him. While he's raw and the Bucks need to win now, the 20-year-old has incredible upside. When given time, he's shown great signs of two-way potential.
Livingston should not be off the table entirely, but including a young player the franchise handed a record-setting deal this off-season in this deal would be a headscratcher. If it were for a legitimate defensive ace, it would be more understandable.
The Clippers would likely welcome this deal with open arms, as they'd get an experienced 3-and-D wing with championship experience and a rookie second-rounder who has a boatload of potential waiting to be unearthed for a player out of their rotation.
Grade for Milwaukee: C
Grade for Clippers: A
Bucks get much-needed defensive help from the Nets
Via - @BucksEnjoyer999
The Brooklyn Nets might be the most logical trade partner for the Bucks due to these two wings.
Bucks fans have been pounding the desk demanding that the team make a run at Royce O'Neale or Dorian Finney-Smith to shore up their defense. Landing both ahead of the trade deadline would be a home run for the franchise.
The word "versatility" has been thrown out a ton here - it's because that's what the team needs - but it's coming up again because this tandem personifies it. They're both lengthy, sturdy, and switchable wings who would take Milwaukee's defense up a notch the moment they set foot on the court.
This writer recently proposed a very similar deal with the Nets, except with the inclusion of another second-round pick. It might be the best the Bucks could do without going through a seismic roster shakeup, and even then, it might not be enough.
According to HoopsHype's Michael Scotto, the Nets hold a high asking price for these players, with executives believing Brooklyn could seek the equivalent of two firsts for Finney-Smith and one first for O'Neale. The Bucks do not even have one first to offer.
Is Milwaukee's mock package enticing enough to potentially make Brooklyn overlook actual picks? Despite their slumps, Portis and Connaughton have value, and their salaries are tradeable if the Nets were to make a bigger move at some point. They could also be solid veterans for Brooklyn.
MarJon Beauchamp is arguably Milwaukee's best young asset and was a first-rounder back in 2022. Though his sophomore year has not been filled with earth-shattering production, he's shown flashes of two-way potential. The second-round selection is self-explanatory.
Even though this package contains most of Milwaukee's top trade assets, the Nets could likely fetch a better offer elsewhere. If they were to trade both, it would not be surprising to see the land multiple first-round picks for a package deal including Finney-Smith and O'Neale.
Grade for Milwaukee: A
Grade for Brooklyn: C-
Bucks land a Defensive Player of the Year in major trade with Grizzlies
Via - @Watto23082
Like Finney-Smith and O'Neale, Marcus Smart is another fan-favorite trade target for the Bucks.
The appeal of Smart is clear. He's among the top guard defenders in the NBA right now, and the Bucks have seen what he can do on that side of things for years. He's an agitator and can provide energy on that end in an instant, even if his methods drive opposing teams crazy.
Smart would be the perfect backcourt mate for Damian Lillard. No offense to Malik Beasley, but he's not the type of defender who can take pressure off of Lillard by hounding opposing guards nightly. Adding a top-tier defender like Smart could help unlock the best version of Lillard.
In addition to getting an excellent defender in Smart, the Bucks would have another opportunity to sign two players via the buyout market to strengthen the roster further.
Many wonder how Memphis will approach the rest of the season after it was announced that All-Star guard Ja Morant would miss the rest of the season due to a torn labrum. They were already down in the standings due to Morant missing 25 games to start the season due to a suspension.
Sitting at 13th in the Western Conference, will the Grizzlies aim to ride it out and try to claw back into the playoff picture, or could they perhaps try to stack assets and sell high on their top pieces? Both scenarios make some sense for a team currently in a tough spot.
If the Grizzlies are indeed willing to move off players like Smart, the Buck should call to kick the tires on what it would take to get him. However, even in that scenario, it would be hard to envision a deal between the Bucks and Grizzlies gaining much traction.
Memphis gave up two first-round picks to get Smart this past off-season. Milwaukee's proposed deal does not even help them recuperate a single first-rounder. They likely aren't high enough on Portis, Connaughton, and AJ Green, along with a pair of second-round picks, as a return.
Smart is under contract for two more seasons after this one, so they could very well just hang onto him and attempt to compete next season. That's a very likely scenario. Yet, it's still fun to dream and think of players who would fit seamlessly with the Bucks.
Grade for Milwaukee: A+
Grade for Memphis: D
Bucks add championship experience, defense via Kings
Via - @wizkylifa11
Something is brewing in Sacramento, and the Milwaukee Bucks could potentially look into the matter.
Per Yahoo! Sports' Jake Fischer, the Sacramento Kings have been calling opposing front offices to gauge the value of a Harrison Barnes and Kevin Huerter package. Furthermore, Davion Mitchell is available in trade talks. Perhaps those rumors helped a fan think of this proposal.
Both players have some appeal.
Barnes is an experienced vet who has won at the highest level and can play either forward position. He's currently having one of his least-productive seasons yet, but Barnes can still provide versatility, serviceable defense, 3-point shooting, and scoring.
The Bucks have had interest in Barnes in the past, notably when they explored acquiring him along with Bogdan Bogdanovic in 2020, per ESPN's Zach Lowe. Times have certainly changed, but perhaps they wouldn't be opposed to bringing him in once again.
As for Mitchell, he came into this league as a defensive-minded guard. At 6-foot-2, he's served as an energizer on that end whenever he's played, making life difficult for opposing ball-handlers. He could give the Bucks a tough guard defender and a new backup point guard all in one.
In his third season, Mitchell has basically fallen entirely out of Sacramento's rotation and could use a change of scenery. Not only could Milwaukee offer him that, but they could give him legitimate time as they aim to solve their defensive woes, allowing him to grow and develop.
Despite the appeal on Milwaukee's end, it would be surprising to see Sacramento accept this offer. They have been heavily featured in rumors this season, chasing big fish such as Pascal Siakam and Zach LaVine. Barnes and Mitchell would likely have to be involved in packages for either.
With their sights set on All-Star caliber players, it would be surprising to see the Kings deal some of their most valuable assets for a package like this. Perhaps they'd be attracted to a 28-year-old former Sixth Man of the Year finalist in Portis as a younger option to Barnes, but even then, it's unlikely.
Grade for Milwaukee: B+
Grade for Sacramento: C+
Bucks go through a major shakeup with Nets and Warriors
Via - @3ptGiannis
The final deal of this article is a mind-bending three-teamer that would shock the NBA landscape.
What Finney-Smith brings to the table has already been discussed ad nauseam. As for Wiggins, he's another two-way wing who could help fuel a reawakening for Milwaukee on defense. He boasts the length and size to make life difficult for opposing wings on a nightly basis.
Wiggins could also be a great third or fourth scoring option for the Bucks. Though he's having a down year this season, he averaged over 17 points per game in eight consecutive seasons prior to this one. Having another reliable scorer who could take pressure off of the other stars would not hurt.
Getting these two in a package deal would be an incredible addition for the Bucks, but the cost would certainly pose some question marks.
Would the Bucks be willing to move on from Brook Lopez, who has anchored their defense down low for several years? It's unlikely, but it seems more likely than in past seasons, as fans wonder whether he can fit within head coach Adrian Griffin's aggressive defensive schemes.
On that note, a Lopez-Wiggins swap could benefit Golden State, who may look to move Wiggins to clear more minutes for Jonathan Kuminga, per Marc Stein on the latest episode of the #thisleague Uncut podcast. Swapping him out for a 7-foot center would certainly do that.
Again, on Brooklyn's end, the return is a bit low compared to what reports are indicating the Nets might want for Finney-Smith. That could throw a wrench in this deal unless they change their tone about the forward's rumored hefty asking price.
Grade for Milwaukee: B+
Grade for Nets: C-
Grade for Warriors: B
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.