5 Milwaukee Bucks that could be traded this season

3. Cameron Payne

The Bucks are rolling with Payne as their backup point guard but would love to acquire an upgrade. Phoenix and San Antonio dumped the 29-year-old guard in the offseason, which opened the door for him to sign in Milwaukee. Payne is a plus-shooter and playmaker but leaves plenty to be desired on the defensive end.

Through 17 games, the 6’3 guard is averaging 6.1 points, 2.4 assists, and 1.4 rebounds in 17.4 minutes per contest. He has made 47.5 percent of his field goals and 47.8 percent on his 3-point tries, but has still produced a negative offensive and defensive box score plus-minus. Right now, Payne has a 0.0 value over replacement player (VORP) for the season.

He is on a veteran minimum contract, but the Bucks could look to clear his roster spot in a trade. They are barely over the second tax apron, but can still acquire players making less than the non-taxpayer mid-level exception in the buyout market. Milwaukee may open room to land a more impactful playoff veteran after the Feb. 8 trade deadline.

Cameron Payne is making shots, but offering little else so far in Milwaukee. He will always be a defensive liability, and the Bucks may look to go in a different direction before the playoffs.