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.
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