Rather than trades, NBA insider believes Bucks will be active in the buyout market

Time and time again, the Milwaukee Bucks have shown that they have one of the most aggressive front office regimes in the entire association.

Whether it's the Jrue Holiday trade, failed attempt for Bogdan Bogdanovic, the P.J. Tucker deal, or the recent Damian Lillard blockbuster, management is always looking to make a splash. However, after the Lillard trade this past off-season, the asset well is running dry. Outside of a couple second round picks, Milwaukee doesn't have much to offer opposing teams draft capital wise.

As the Bucks aim to improve the roster, an avenue they will likely aim to explore in the buyout market. ESPN insider Brian Windhorst (subscription required) speculated that the Bucks are unlikely to make any major trades, but he expects them to be active via buyout once players start hitting the market. Though a lot of fans are clamoring for a trade, this does make sense with the team's limited assets.

NBA insider believes Bucks will be active in the buyout market

The Bucks have had several nice finds on the buyout market over the past several seasons, notably Jevon Carter in 2022, who became a key rotational player. Sometimes, all a player who was bought out needs is a change of scenary or role to thrive in a new environment, and the Bucks will be on the hunt for that this season, it seems.

While the roster is full right now, if the Bucks do pursue upgrades through the buyout market down the line, they will be looking for more defense. The team has struggled on that side of the ball for a good portion of the season, and perhaps getting a recognizable name from the buyout market may be what they need to give them a spark.

The one target most Bucks fans are eyeing right now is P.J. Tucker of the LA Clippers. In an article by The Athletic's Shams Charania (subscription required), it was revealed that Tucker is frustrated with his role following a trade to Los Angeles alongside James Harden. The two sides are working out a solution, and while a trade is more likely, a buyout should not be ruled out entirely.

If Tucker were to be bought out, he'd make sense for the Bucks. Even if he is not the same player he was when he helped Milwaukee secure the title in 2021, he could bring more experience, toughness, defense, and communication to this roster. The familiarity element would not hurt either, as he has his share of experience with several players in town.

It should be noted that the Bucks cannot sign a player with a salary prior to $12.4 million due to rules involving the second tax apron. Tucker is making $11 million this season, so he would slot nicely into that equation. Of course, the have to wait and see if Tucker does get bought out or traded elsewhere.

There will be other targets down the line, but at this point in time, Tucker is the one who everyone is chatting about. It'll be interesting to see how the Bucks alter the roster in the coming months.

Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.