The Milwaukee Bucks seem determined to make a deal before the 2024 NBA Trade Deadline passes.
The team has been mentioned in almost every rumor out there over the past few weeks, showing an intense sense of urgency to shake things up. Without wasting any more time, let's round up all of the rumors with the deadline a day away.
What are the Milwaukee Bucks offering in trades?
Following a slew of moves over the past few years, the Bucks are currently running low on assets in terms of draft capital. They currently possess just two second rounders. However, Yet, they appear to be on the hunt for more.
Per Yahoo Sports' insider Jake Fischer, the Bucks have contacted teams like the OKC Thunder and New Orleans Pelicans about trading their first-round pick swaps or second-round picks for future firsts. This would allow the Bucks to make more enticing offers elsewhere with an actual first-round pick at their disposal.
In terms of player assets, Bobby Portis is Milwaukee's most desirable piece outside of their core four due to his strong player and decently sized contract. Fischer mentions that the Bucks will think "long and hard" about dealing Portis before the deadline. Unless subsequent moves were made, moving on from Portis could leave Milwaukee thin in the frontcourt, likely what the front office is thinking about.
Fischer mentioned that second-year wing MarJon Beauchamp, who has been out of the rotation as of late, has been discussed in talks. As one of Milwaukee's few young players, he could be desirable. In another piece, Fischer said that Pat Connaughton, Cam Payne, and a 2024 second-round pick is currently the likeliest outgoing package for the Bucks in a possible deal.
Any bigger deal would require Portis and Connaughton due to their larger salaries.
The Bucks are looking at a pair of Nets
The New York Post's Brian Lewis (subscription required) states that the Bucks have interest in both Dorian Finney-Smith and Royce O'Neale of the Brooklyn Nets. Both make plenty of sense, as they're versatile defenders with experience who could make this team much more formidable, patching up a major flaw on the perimeter.
It's no secret that the Nets have a steep asking price for the pair, as they are unlikely to pick up the phone unless first-rounders are involved, especially with Finney-Smith. SNY's Ian Begley reported Tuesday that the Bucks' interest in Finney-Smith is "strong," which is perhaps why they contacted OKC and New Orleans about trying to acquire a first.
Bucks eyeing an NBA champion wing defender
As mentioned in one of the previously-mentioned articles by Fischer, Andrew Wiggins is a player the Milwaukee Bucks and Dallas Mavericks are keeping an eye on. Bucks fans have had their eyes on the forward for quite some time, and it's largely due to his ability to serve as a high-end, versatile wing defender who has helped a team win it all before.
Due to his salary, the Bucks would have to trade both Portis and Connaughton to take back Wiggins. Fans can debate whether or not that is worth it, especially with Wiggins having a down year. However, if they are unable to get top defenders like Finney-Smith or O'Neale, it might be worth the gamble to bring in an established wing defender. A change of scenery could do him good.
Don't expect the Bucks to go after Grant Williams unless more if offered
Rumors surfaced from veteran NBA insider Marc Stein (subscription required) that the Bucks and Dallas Mavericks had talked about a Bobby Portis for Grant Williams swap. Understandably so, Bucks fans were not pleased. Thankfully, that report was quickly followed up by Stein saying that Milwaukee would want more in any deal involving moving Portis for Grant.
Could the Bucks potentially get a first from Dallas for Portis? Per Fischer, the Mavericks are willing to include their 2027 first-round pick for the right frontcourt option. If they value him enough, perhaps the Bucks could land Williams and a first, which could then be used in another deal. That's nothing more than speculation, but it's worth keeping an eye on as both teams remain aggressive.
Bucks checked in on young wing from a rival
Though most of the names the Bucks have been linked to are veterans, they've also reportedly taken a look at a young wing player. According to HoopsHype insider Michael Scotto, the Bucks are among teams who have "closely monitored" Isaac Okoro of the Cleveland Cavaliers due to their desire to acquire a two-way wing. The Knicks, Pacers, Hawks and Suns are also interested teams.
Okoro would be a nice addition to the rotation, giving this team more defense and a strong shooter. However, would he see a legitimate role? Doc Rivers hasn't given Milwaukee's youth much thought when crafting his rotations this season, and a 23-year-old might have a tough time getting in the mix. Also, would Cleveland trade him to a rival they are battling in the standings? Likely not.
Bucks did not initiate Dejounte Murray talks
Dejounte Murray is the hottest name left on the trade market, and he has been linked to the Bucks in recent weeks. However, it seems like he is an unlikely target. According to The Athletic's Eric Nehm (subscription required), talks between the Bucks and Atlanta Hawks were initiated by the latter just to see which teams may be interested in the guard.
Of course, the Bucks would be interested. He's arguably the best name rumored to be available right now and would make a major difference for this team. However, it's unclear if they truly have what it takes to get him, especially with the Los Angeles Lakers, who have better assets and picks, rumored to also be interested. The Bucks could get him, but it's a long shot.
A bigger backup point guard could be on Milwaukee's radar
With Cam Payne likely to be dealt, it makes sense that the Bucks might be looking at another backup point guard. Fischer mentioned in an aforementioned article that Washington's Delon Wright's name has been linked to the Bucks. After having undersized backup point guards for years, a 6-foot-5 floor general who is known for tough defense would be a welcoming addition.
Yet, any deal involving Wright should not feature him as the main piece. He's a good player, but he'd be better off as a complementary piece in a deal rather than the top prize. If the Bucks could piece together a deal to get O'Neale and Wright, that would be a big move to boost the perimeter defense and give the team a strong guard defender.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.