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Bucks cutting salary to target veteran upgrades

Photo: Peter Baba

The Milwaukee Bucks are actively exploring ways to reduce their payroll, aiming to position themselves below the NBA’s second apron.

Achieving this financial milestone would grant the Bucks greater flexibility in trade scenarios, particularly by allowing them to aggregate player salaries in potential deals.

This maneuvering appears to be part of a broader strategy to add a high-priced veteran player to their roster in pursuit of bolstering their championship aspirations.

Among the trade possibilities, the Bucks have been linked to Bradley Beal as part of a rumored multi-team trade that could result in Jimmy Butler joining the Phoenix Suns.

Additionally, Milwaukee is reportedly interested in Chicago Bulls star Zach LaVine, another high-salary player who could complement their existing core.

Currently, the Bucks are approximately $6.5 million above the second apron threshold, a position that imposes significant restrictions on their roster-building options.

A widely discussed solution to this issue involves trading Pat Connaughton, who is owed $9.4 million this season.

Moving Connaughton’s contract to a team with available cap space, such as the Detroit Pistons, or to a team possessing a large enough trade exception, is seen as a feasible pathway to achieve financial relief.

Several teams now can use their signing exceptions, such as the Non-Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception (MLE), as trade exceptions, making Connaughton’s contract a practical fit for organizations with this flexibility.

By shedding Connaughton’s salary, Milwaukee could not only escape the second apron but also set the stage for executing a significant trade.

This approach highlights the Bucks’ resolve to manage NBA finances while staying aggressive in pursuing another championship-caliber roster upgrade.

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