Bucks linked to Kings’ Zach LaVine, Celtics’ Anfernee Simons

The Bucks are poking around the trade market, and Zach LaVine’s name is at least on their checklist.

According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, Milwaukee has conducted “background due diligence” on the Kings guard, along with several other potential targets.

That’s due diligence, not aggressive pursuit.

Sacramento is 5-13 and expected to field calls on just about every veteran it has. LaVine and DeMar DeRozan are the obvious names.

Domantas Sabonis could even be part of the discussion, per Scotto. New front office. New direction. Open for business.

The Bucks sit in a different spot. They dipped under the cap this summer to sign Myles Turner and now sit about $11.5 million under the luxury tax.

They can take on money. The problem is taking on LaVine’s money.

LaVine is making $47.5 million this season with a $49 million player option looming. To match that salary, Milwaukee would almost certainly have to send out Kyle Kuzma plus at least one more real rotation player. That most likely means Bobby Portis.

Two starters for one high-priced scorer with an injury history and defensive limitations? Milwaukee would have to think long and hard about that one.

Kuzma, for what it’s worth, has been a Kings target before. Scotto notes Sacramento’s previous front office liked him, and Kuzma and Kings owner Vivek Ranadive are both investors in Major League Volleyball.

Whether the new Sacramento regime sees Kuzma the same way is unclear.

Milwaukee has also kept an eye on Boston guard Anfernee Simons, per Scotto.

Simons’ expiring $27.7 million contract is far easier to work with, and Boston is at least open to deals that help them duck the tax if the fit is right.

The Celtics, however, have shown no willingness to attach a first-round pick just to move him.

LaVine is averaging 20.5 points on .498/.386/.893 shooting. Simons is at 14.4 points per game on .448/.411/.862 shooting off Boston’s bench.