© Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Milwaukee Bucks reportedly leaning towards not moving any of their core players at the 2024 NBA trade deadline
The Milwaukee Bucks’ apparent need for a defensive upgrade on the perimeter has many asking if they’ll make moves at the trade deadline on February 8. While the answer to that question remains up in the air, a report from The Athletic’s Bucks insider Eric Nehm details that any move Milwaukee makes will likely not involve any of their four highest-paid players: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, Khris Middleton, and Brook Lopez.
May have to move Bobby Portis and Pat Connaughton
Even with new head coach Doc Rivers manning the sidelines, the Bucks’ defense has remained subpar—ranking 19th in defensive rating and 23rd in points allowed per game. However, Milwaukee has few assets to trade at the deadline, and apparently, none of them include their top stars.
“If the Bucks want to keep their top four players intact and, per league sources, all indications suggest that the Bucks have little interest in any deal that forces them to move one of their top four earners, that means Horst would have to try to find a deadline deal using the rest of the roster. And, if Horst wants to trade for a player that makes over $15 million, it would likely require including at least one of Pat Connaughton or Bobby Portis,” Nehm wrote.
Nothing to it
Trade rumors are a considerable part of the NBA as the deadline approaches. For veterans like Portis and Connaughton, this is nothing new, and as such, both players said they’ll continue to do what they’re supposed to until something concrete materializes on the trade front.
“I ain’t heard it,” Portis said when asked if he’s caught wind of any trade rumors involving him.
“So, to your question, I ain’t heard nothing like that. Before, when I was younger as a 23-year-old hearing things, it was different, but I wasn’t in a stable place, a stable home, or really had a home. I was trying to find my way in the league and find a niche. But for guys that probably hear (trade rumors), it is probably tough on them, for sure, if they like a place or whatever it is. But, for me, personally, I ain’t heard nothing. And, if it do happen, God got good things for me in store.”
“I don’t even think about it,” Connaughton said.
“The interesting part about the NBA trade deadline is it’s similar to free agency, but just there’s more rumors and less, let’s say, early truths, if you will.”
