The Milwaukee Bucks are gearing up for another championship run, and this offseason, they’re likely to explore the trade market for key roster upgrades. Managing the complexities of the salary cap and their financial constraints will be crucial as they aim to strengthen their team.
Unless the Bucks are willing to trade Brook Lopez and his expiring $23 million contract, they’ll need to focus on acquiring players with salaries around $12 million or less for the 2024-25 season. This aligns with the contracts of Bobby Portis ($12.6 million) or Pat Connaughton ($9.4 million), which could be pivotal in potential deals. As a second-apron team, Milwaukee cannot aggregate salaries, making individual contracts a critical factor in trade negotiations.
Milwaukee’s trade assets are somewhat limited. They currently have four young prospects: Chris Livingston, MarJon Beauchamp, Andre Jackson Jr., and AJ Green. Additionally, they hold the 23rd and 33rd overall picks in the 2024 NBA Draft. It’s unlikely they’ll retain all four young players while also adding two more rookies, given their ambitions to contend for the championship in 2025. Therefore, attaching one of their draft picks to sweeten a trade deal seems a logical move.
Considering a trade package involving one of Portis or Connaughton and either the 23rd or 33rd overall pick significantly narrows the field of viable trade targets. Here are three potential targets for the Bucks:
Cody Martin, Wing, Charlotte Hornets
Cody Martin is set to make $8.1 million in 2024-25 and $8.7 million in 2025-26, with the latter being non-guaranteed. This contract is appealing to the Bucks for several reasons.
Martin provides the size and defensive versatility needed to complement Damian Lillard in the backcourt. Standing at 6-foot-5, he can guard wings, which is critical for Milwaukee’s path to the NBA Finals. His length and agility also allow him to disrupt opposing point guards, adding another layer to the Bucks’ defensive schemes.
Beyond his defensive skills, Martin brings hustle and energy, excelling as a glue guy who does the crucial but often unnoticed work for team success. Offensively, he has challenges as defenses tend to sag off him at the three-point line, where he’s a career 31.7 percent shooter. However, his high basketball IQ and decent playmaking abilities help mitigate some of his shooting deficiencies.
Another key factor is contract control. Milwaukee would have Martin under contract for two years, providing flexibility to evaluate his fit and decide next summer whether to include him in another trade or cut him loose without financial repercussions. This scenario offers the Bucks a valuable safety net as they make a final push with their current core before considering a re-tool.
Gary Payton II, Wing, Golden State Warriors
If the Bucks aim to emulate the Dallas Mavericks’ strategy of surrounding their superstars with defensive-minded players and athleticism, Gary Payton II could be a perfect fit.
Payton won’t be a primary offensive option, meaning Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, and Khris Middleton will need to carry the scoring load. However, Payton thrives playing off this trio, with his knack for cutting to the hoop and finding lanes in the paint complementing the attention the Bucks’ Big Three will draw.
Defensively, Payton is highly versatile. Despite standing just 6-foot-2, his athleticism, long wingspan, and defensive IQ allow him to guard both point guards and wings effectively. While Milwaukee still needs additional size in the backcourt, Payton II would be an excellent starting point for enhancing their defensive prowess.
His ability to contribute on both ends without needing the ball makes him an ideal role player for a Bucks team focused on maximizing their superstars’ impact. Adding Payton II could help Milwaukee create a more balanced and resilient lineup as they aim for another deep playoff run.
Alex Caruso, Combo Guard, Chicago Bulls
Alex Caruso should be at the top of the Bucks’ wishlist for a defensive-minded combo guard or wing with size. He is tough, gritty, and capable of guarding positions 1 through 3 with ease.
Caruso is also the ideal glue guy to connect Damian Lillard and Khris Middleton on both ends of the court. Defensively, he can seamlessly switch between guarding different positions, and offensively, his high basketball IQ allows him to facilitate ball movement when Lillard is orchestrating the primary action, helping Middleton exploit a shifting defense.
The Bulls were hesitant to trade Caruso at the deadline last February, reportedly asking for two first-round picks. However, their situation might be different now as they face a potential crossroads for the franchise. A single first-rounder could potentially get the deal done, making Caruso a realistic and valuable target for Milwaukee.
