It's common knowledge at this point that the Milwaukee Bucks are making calls across the NBA in an effort to make an early-season trade.
So far, they've had no luck, and one factor playing a part in that may be the December 15 restriction, as a good chunk of players are ineligible to be traded until then. Yet, the Milwaukee Bucks also don't have the largest supply of desirable trade assets, which is also a roadblock. As they aim to make an early deal, let us rank Milwaukee's trade assets from least desirable to most desirable.
No. 7 - Pat Connaughton
If Pat Connaughton had an expiring contract, this may be a different story. Yet, he's on the books for $9.4 million this season and holds a player option for the same figure next season. Teams will not be lining up to pay that salary to a 31-year-old who has declined over the past few seasons. Perhaps if the Bucks attached draft capital to him, other teams would listen, but that deal still isn't desirable.
No. 6 - MarJon Beauchamp
The Milwaukee Bucks and MarJon Beauchamp's camp both reportedly believe a change of scenery is the best next step for the young wing. Yet, he's still a Buck. With a $2.7 million salary, trading him won't help the Bucks net anything sizeable in return. If Milwaukee could get a second-round pick for the former 24-year-old former first-round pick who never found his footing, that would be a major win.
No. 5 - 2031 Second-Round Pick
The Milwaukee Bucks are running so low on draft picks that their next tradable ones come way down the line in 2031. Opposing teams will not be banging down Jon Horst's office door for a second round pick seven years in the future, but it could still be of interest in certain situations. The Bucks should be gladly offering this pick in hypothetical trades they are proposing.
No. 4 - Brook Lopez
It seems like the Milwaukee Bucks have gone back and forth on their trade stance with Brook Lopez over the past few months. If they do consider trading him, as there is interest, his $23 million expiring contract would be useful in helping the Bucks net a big return. Even at 36, Lopez is still a defensive menace at the hoop who can provide adequate spacing. Many NBA teams could use that.
No. 3 - Bobby Portis
Bobby Portis seems like the most logical trade chip for the Bucks. With a $12.6 million salary, he has an affordable contract. With back-to-back top-three finishes in the Sixth Man of the Year running, he is also among the more productive reserves in the NBA. While he's having a down year, several teams could still use him, and swapping him out for more defense would make sense for Milwaukee.
No. 2 - Khris Middleton
The odds of a Khris Middleton trade seem very slim, but it's not off the table entirely. While he has his injury concerns, plenty of teams would likely hold interest in the three-time All-Star. The only way the Bucks may consider it is if they want to make a significant splash that involves taking back another star, but right now, it doesn't feel like any names are available. Still, that could change.
No. 1 - 2031 First-Round Pick
The Milwaukee Bucks have one tradable first-round pick. With the team aging right now, there is no telling what they will look like in 2031, making that first-rounder all the more captivating. NBA insider Jake Fischer reported that the Bucks are dangling this pick in trade talks but made it clear that they're holding it in the highest of regards. It could be the key to getting them an impact piece.
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