Bucks can upgrade roster by trading this player

The Milwaukee Bucks have overcome a slow start, climbing to fourth in the Eastern Conference on the back of some stellar basketball. Doc Rivers' team has looked like a genuine threat. However, it's clear that Milwaukee's roster is still one high-level player away from being genuine contenders. 

Both Brook Lopez and Khris Middleton have shown signs of regression over the last 18 months. As such, another star-level player could help bridge the gap and position the Bucks back near the top of the East. 

The Bucks are unable to explore significant trades while they remain over the second luxury tax apron. Therefore, Milwaukee would need to find a trade that allows it to send out Pat Connaughton without receiving any salary in return. According to a report by Marc Stein on Sunday, Jimmy Butler and Bradley Beal are two names the front office may hold interest in. 

"Whether that means Milwaukee eventually emerges as a Butler suitor remains to be seen," Stein wrote. "The Bucks, to this point, have been more frequently painted as a team likely to rekindle their previous interest in Phoenix's Bradley Beal if they intend to pursue a trade for a player in the $50 million range. The reality in Milwaukee, in any case, is that the Bucks can't make a trade run at either player unless they first dodge second apron restrictions by finding a taker for Pat Connaughton's $9.4 million contract in a deal that does not require them to take back salary."

Adding another high-level player would be a risky move. Top-heavy teams always risk things breaking down in the postseason. Outside of the Boston Celtics, most recent NBA champions have relied on two-star players surrounded by a deep supporting cast. Acquiring Butler or Beal would undoubtedly empty the team's talent pool. 

Still, Connaughton's future will remain a topic of discussion leading up to the Feb. 6 trade deadline. The 32-year-old sharpshooter has a player option for next season. If he remains in Milwaukee, he could potentially exercise that option, hamstringing the front office heading into the summer. 

The Bucks are in a precarious position, whether they want to upgrade their roster now or have flexibility in the offseason. Connaughton appears to hold the keys to the franchise's ability to navigate the trade market. 

Unfortunately, that makes Connaughton highly expendable. It will be interesting to see whether Milwaukee can find any takers in the trade market and, more importantly, what it would need to attach to avoid taking salary back.