Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
The Milwaukee Bucks have been active on the trade market involving conversations centered around Khris Middleton, Bobby Portis, Pat Connaughton, Marjon Beauchamp, and their 2031 first-round pick, league sources told HoopsHype.
Milwaukee has circled the wagon on various players looking to improve the roster while Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard are in their primes, including six-time All-Star Jimmy Butler, Kyle Kuzma, and role player upgrades, including Cody Martin, etc.
As reported by HoopsHype since January 16, with the Bucks $6.5 million over the second apron, executives on teams looking to be trade facilitators, have been monitoring Connaughton as a candidate to be moved.
Connaughton has a $9.42 million player option for the 2025-26 season, which he’s expected to exercise for the 2025-26 season, HoopsHype has learned.
The 32-year-old swingman has appeared in 28 games this season, averaging 4.5 points in 14.9 minutes.
Middleton has a $34 million player option for the 2025-26 season, with the expectation around the league that he’ll exercise it.
The 33-year-old swingman has appeared in only 23 games this season, but has shot the ball well at a 51.2 percent clip from the field and 40.7 percent from downtown for 12.6 points in 23.2 minutes.
Portis has a $13.45 million player option for the 2025-26 season. It’s unclear at this juncture which direction Portis will choose regarding his player option.
Portis, who turns 30 on February 10th, has put up similar numbers to last season, averaging 13.4 points and 7.9 rebounds in 41 games.
Following the Phoenix Suns breaking up their 2031 first-round pick for three first-round picks in a trade with the Utah Jazz, several NBA executives have expressed interest in similarly trying to acquire Milwaukee’s 2031 first-round pick for multiple first-round picks, league sources told HoopsHype.
