Milwaukee Bucks trade rumors as Thursday’s NBA trade deadline approaches
Will the Milwaukee Bucks make a splash before the NBA trade deadline arrives (2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 6) or stand pat?
Milwaukee general manager Jon Horst hasn’t been afraid to make some tweaks in season. Here’s a full rundown of what the Bucks can and cannot do; in the meantime, you’re sure to hear your share of Bucks trade rumors.
The Bucks are a team that will always be linked to certain players (i.e. veterans seeking a title), but we’ll keep an eye on all the burning trade embers here as they flicker.
Bucks interested in Kyle Kuzma
HoopsHype, a USA TODAY NETWORK property, has reported Bucks have had interest in Washington forward Kyle Kuzma. On Feb. 5, ESPN suggested Kuzma could end up in Milwaukee as part of a larger multi-team deal that would ultimately send Khris Middleton to another destination.
Middleton will likely exercise his $34 million player option (which counts as $36 million toward apron accounting due to his incentives) for next season.
Kuzma, who will be 30 in July, is in his eighth season in the league, is shooting 28.1% from behind the three-point line and 42% overall in averaging 15.5 points per game. His contract declines in value after this season as he’s owed $21.5 million next year and $19.4 million in 2026-27.
Bucks looking to trade Pat Connaughton
According to HoopsHype, the Bucks have actively engaged in discussions to trade wing Pat Connaughton. The 32-year-old has fallen out of head coach Doc Rivers’ rotation, and makes not just $9.4 million this year but will most likely pick up his $9.4 million player option for next year. Should they be able to move Connaughton, the Bucks can slide under the second apron and open up more flexibility before the deadline to trade multiple players for a single player.
Bucks have interest in Jericho Sims
The Journal Sentinel confirmed the Bucks have interest in New York Knicks big man Jericho Sims, who is under contract for $2 million for only this season. The 6-foot, 10-inch 26-year-old averages about 11 minutes off the bench for New York. He does not shoot three-pointers, but is an explosive athlete — he had a 44.5-inch vertical jump at the 2021 NBA combine. At the time it was the third-highest leap in combine history.
Bucks interested in Cody Martin
HoopsHype reported the Bucks have expressed interest in 29-year-old forward Cody Martin of the Charlotte Hornets. Martin is 6 feet, 5 inches and is in his sixth season in Charlotte. A career 31% three-point shooter, Martin would inject a little bit of youth and wing defense into the Bucks. His $8.6 million contact for next season is not guaranteed until June 30.
Bucks engaged with Bulls on Zach LaVine trade
Milwaukee did have conversations with Chicago about a deal that would have brought Zach LaVine to Milwaukee. The Journal Sentinel confirmed the Chicago Sports Network’s report. Other players would have been involved, too, in some fashion, to make the money work considering the Bucks’ apron restrictions.
LaVine landed in Sacramento as part of a three-team deal.
76ers trade Caleb Martin to Mavericks
On Feb. 4 the Dallas Mavericks acquired Caleb Martin from Philadelphia for Quentin Grimes and a 2025 second-round draft pick.
Thunder trade draft picks with Hornets
On Feb. 3 the Oklahoma City Thunder traded a 2029 second-round pick to Charlotte for a 2030 second-round pick.
Kings trade De’Aaron Fox to Spurs, Bulls trade Zach LaVine to Kings
On Feb. 2, Sacramento, San Antonio and Chicago made a three-team deal that swapped all-stars De’Aaron Fox and Zach LaVine along with draft picks.
- Kings get: Zach LaVine from Chicago, Sidy Cissoko froM San Antonio and 2025, 2027, 2031 first-round picks and a 2025 and two 2028 second-round picks.
- Bulls get: Zach Collins and Tre Jones from San Antonio and Kevin Huerter from San Antonio along with a 2025 first-round pick.
- Spurs get: De’Aaron Fox and Jordan McLaughlin from Sacramento.
Mavericks trade Luka Doncic to Lakers for Anthony Davis, Jazz gets picks
On Feb. 1, In the first real stunner of the trade season, the Dallas Mavericks sent 25-year-old star guard Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles for big man Anthony Davis. They are the headliners, but the Mavericks also shipped Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris to Los Angeles while the Mavericks also received Max Christie and a 2029 first-round draft pick.
Utah was involved, also, get Jalen Hood-Schifino from and a 2025 second-round pick from Los Angeles. Dallas sent a 2025 second-round pick to the Jazz also.
Clippers trade P.J. Tucker to Utah Jazz
On Feb. 1, the Los Angeles Clippers traded former Milwaukee Bucks fan favorite P.J. Tucker, Mo Bamba, a 2030 second-round pick and cash to the Utah Jazz for Drew Eubanks and Patty Mills.
Phoenix Suns swap first-round picks with Utah Jazz
Per ESPN, the Suns traded an 2031 unprotected first-round pick to the Utah Jazz for 3 first-round picks (least favorable firsts in 2025 of Cleveland/Minnesota, 2027 of Cleveland/Minnesota/Utah and 2029 of Cleveland/Minnesota/Utah).
Suns trade Josh Okogie for Nick Richards
On Jan. 15, Phoenix sent Josh Okogie, a 2026 second-round pick and two, 2031 second-round picks to Charlotte for Nick Richards and a 2025 second-round pick.
Lakers trade D’Angelo Russell for Dorian Finney-Smith, Shake Milton
On Dec. 29, Los Angeles sent Russell, Maxwell Lewis and second-round picks in 2027, 2030 and 2031 to Brooklyn for Finney-Smith and Milton.
Nets trade Dennis Schroder to Warriors
Golden State acquired point guard Dennis Schröder and a 2025 second-round pick from Brooklyn for De’Anthony Melton, Reece Beekman and second-round picks in 2026, 2028 and 2029.
Pacers trade for Thomas Bryant
Indiana made the first deal of the season on Dec. 15, sending a 2031 second-round pick for Thomas Bryant.
Can the Bucks sign a buyout player?
Yes. There is a restriction, however – if a roster spot opens, the team can only sign a player who made less than $12.8 million before being bought out.
Can the Bucks buy out one of their own players?
Yes. If the team cannot find any trades that opens a roster spot, they can buy out one of their own players and sign a free agent minimum. The only restriction in this scenario would be the heavier tax bill to consider for adding a new salary.
