New Brook Lopez trade rumor should have Milwaukee Bucks' duo tense

Despite being one of the most active teams ahead of the 2024 NBA Trade Deadline in terms of being in the rumor mill, the Milwaukee Bucks only made a minor move for Patrick Beverley this past year.

Many thought that perhaps they were saving their best assets for an offseason trade, where more players would be available. However, it's now September, and the Bucks have not yet made a trade. Instead, they've been very active in free agency, adding players like Delon Wright, Taurean Prince and Gary Trent Jr. on team-friendly deals to retool their roster.

General manager Jon Horst could always make a trade out of the blue, which he is known to do from time to time. If he does, it appears that one member of the Milwaukee Bucks will not be on the table in any trade discussions. Per ESPN's Brian Windorst on a new episode of the Hoop Collective Podcast, Brook Lopez has been told that he is safe from being in trade talks.

With Brook Lopez safe, the Bucks will likely shop two other players

There was an argument to be made that Brook Lopez was Milwaukee's most desirable trade asset as a championship-winning center who has flirted with Defensive Player of the Year consideration over the last few years. While his $23 million salary is pretty hefty, they likely could have gotten a quality piece or two in exchange for him.

Instead, with Lopez now unavailable, two Milwaukee Bucks who are not the likeliest players to be dealt are Bobby Portis and Pat Connaughton. Both were mentioned in constant trade rumors leading up to the deadline this past season, but the team decided to keep them in tow. That will almost certainly carry over into next season if the Bucks aim to make a splash before the 2025 trade deadline.

Currently, due to second apron restrictions, the Bucks cannot combine salaries in any trade, so they'd have to deal Portis or Connaughton separately. With Portis making $12.6 million and Connaughton at $9.4 million this coming season, both players have decent enough sized contracts that could help the Bucks net a quality piece or two in return.

Of the two, Connaughton is by far the likelier to be moved. While Portis has his shortcomings, he's still one of the most productive reserves in the NBA. Connaughton, on the other hand, has not been that, as his production has taken a step back over the past two years. It wouldn't be surprising if the Bucks looked to move him while playing hardball in any trade talks for Portis.

Unless these two were also told that they're safe in trade talks, they will likely have the thought of being traded on their minds here and there. It could throw them off a bit, but as they did this past season, all they can do is play through it and prove why they belong in Milwaukee.

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