Bucks Zone

The Milwaukee Bucks are targeting Matisse Thybulle and P.J. Tucker before the Trade Deadline

The Bucks are prioritizing defensive-minded players at the trade deadline.

Matthew Dugandzic

© Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
In this story:

The Milwaukee Bucks pulled off a major change when they fired coach Adrian Griffin and consequently brought in veteran bench tactician Doc Rivers.

Aside from the sudden coaching change, the Bucks are also exploring to shake up their roster in the hopes of improving their much-maligned defense, Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer reported.

More changes coming?

According to Fischer, Milwaukee has contacted various teams involving the second-round pick it will receive from the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2024 NBA Draft.

Portland’s second-round pick currently stands as No. 35.

“With their early second, the Bucks are considering different combinations of trades that could move veteran wing Pat Connaughton plus reserve guard Cameron Payne,” Fischer wrote, citing sources.

With the combined $12.5 million salary between Connaughton and Payne, the Bucks are in a position to acquire several targets, such as Portland’s Matisse Thybulle and LA Clippers’ forward P.J. Tucker.

Milwaukee eyes big names

Fischer added that according to sources, Milwaukee may also make a run for Alex Caruso of Chicago. Still, the Bulls have indicated that they would demand multiple first-round picks to even consider moving Caruso.

Acquiring Dejounte Murray and Bruce Brown Jr. are also being explored by the Bucks, sources told Fischer.

“For Milwaukee to get into the salary ballpark for either difference-maker, the Bucks would have to include (Bobby) Portis and his $11.7 million figure. This sequence of options is quite illustrative of how many front offices’ approach the deadline. Milwaukee is assessing the names who are on the market, their teams’ asking prices, and how that player fits alongside Antetokounmpo and (Dame) Lillard,” Fischer said.

Who do the Milwaukee Bucks have to give up in a trade for Dejounte Murray?

Published
Matthew Dugandzic
MATTHEW DUGANDZIC

Matthew finished his bachelor's degree in Economics (Management) at the University of Split and got his master's degree in the same field at the University of Zadar. Whether it is playing the game as an undersized 6'3'' power forward or simply watching it, Matthew can't get enough of it. After all, he has been an avid NBA fan since the 2000s. But don't get him wrong, as Matthew still loves the old-school NBA and is a true student of the game. From on-court moments to off-court stuff, whether it's about the stars of modern-day basketball or legends of the game, Matthew covers every category of the NBA world and basketball in general, as long as it makes for an engaging and exciting story.