The Milwaukee Bucks have been recently linked to a potential trade with Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal, but various reports indicate that such an option is out of the window.
If Milwaukee still plans to chase that one big trade, The Athletic recently floated Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine as an alternative potential trade candidate.
“Per league sources, the Bucks’ motives would be two-fold: Cut enough salary from their payroll to get under the second apron — the only way the Bucks can legally complete a trade while aggregating contracts — and also add a talented, highly paid player to play next to Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, the NBA’s top scoring duo. Whether that would be Beal, or perhaps a star like Chicago’s Zach LaVine, in other potential scenarios remains to be seen,” Amick wrote.
It was proposed that the Milwaukee Bucks will part ways with Khris Middleton, Bobby Portis, and Pat Connaughton to make it happen. More than likely, Milwaukee will have to throw in some draft picks too.
Milwaukee Bucks look to get rid of Pat Connaughton
The Milwaukee Bucks are keen on trading Pat Connaughton, who is in the second year of his three-year, $28.3 million contract and is earning roughly $9.42 million this season.
Doing so would allow Milwaukee to go below the second luxury tax apron, opening up more flexibility to improve the team, especially since they can use their mid-level exception.
Connaughton has seen his role and production dip this season, averaging only 4.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 15.7 minutes per contest (21 games).
