3 Former Bucks' trade targets who could resurface in 2024-25
By Dalton Sell
The Milwaukee Bucks are always looking for ways to improve their roster through trade.
While they likely want to see their newly-tweaked roster in action before making any moves, if they do explore the trade market anytime soon, it will likely be for more defensive specialists. Their defense on the perimeter last season was a significant issue, and although they added strong pieces such as Delon Wright and Taurean Prince in free agency to help with this, more defense is never a bad thing.
That said, let us highlight three possible trade targets who have been linked to the Bucks in the past who could resurface once again.
Matisse Thybulle, Portland Trail Blazers
Approaching the 2023 NBA Trade Deadline, the Milwaukee Bucks were among an assortment of teams expressing interest in Matisse Thybulle, per HoopsHype's Michael Scotto. Ultimately, the wing was dealt to the Portland Trail Blazers, while the Bucks added Jae Crowder. In hindsight, Thybulle would have been a much better addition.
Thybulle is a two-time All-Defensive honoree, having made his living on that side of things throughout his NBA career thus far. At 6-foot-5 with a 6-foot-11 wingspan, he has the height and length to bother his matchup constantly. A player like that could do wonders for the Milwaukee Bucks, beefing up their perimeter defense mightily and giving them a clear-cut big wing defender.
The primary concern with Thybulle is his offense, as he's averaged just 4.8 points per contest while shooting 33.8 percent from three for his career. His lack of an outside shot could create an awkward fit next to Giannis Antetokounmpo, who thrives off floor spacing. However, the defense he brings to the table would far outweigh the concerns on offense for this particular roster.
With an $11 million salary for 2024-25, any Thybulle deal would likely force the Bucks to part with Bobby Portis, who will make $12.6 million. Milwaukee was seemingly shopping Portis pretty heavily last season, and if they desperately need defensive help once again this year, it wouldn't be overly surprising if his name popped up in rumors once again.