Photo: Peter Baba

The Milwaukee Bucks have solidified their reputation as one of the NBA’s most proactive teams when it comes to upgrading their roster.

In recent years, the organization has not hesitated to swing for the fences, pulling off major trades like acquiring Jrue Holiday in 2020 and Damian Lillard in 2023.

Their commitment to maintaining championship contention remains evident, as ESPN’s Brian Windhorst and Tim Bontemps report that Milwaukee is actively exploring trade options leading up to the February 6 deadline.

Key players such as Khris Middleton, Bobby Portis, and Pat Connaughton are reportedly on the trading block as the Bucks seek a high-impact player to strengthen their pursuit of another title alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Khris Middleton, a three-time All-Star, is the most high-profile player in trade discussions.

A cornerstone of Milwaukee’s 2021 championship team, Middleton has struggled with significant injuries in recent years, limiting him to just 106 regular-season games since the start of the 2022-23 season.

He recently missed a game against Miami due to an ankle injury and remains listed as day-to-day.

Middleton’s $31.67 million salary this season, along with a $34 million player option for 2025-26, adds a layer of complexity to any potential trade involving the 33-year-old forward.

Meanwhile, Bobby Portis, another key contributor to the Bucks’ 2021 title, is also a potential trade candidate.

Portis, who earns $12.6 million this season and holds a $13.45 million player option for next year, continues to provide value as a versatile big man.

Pat Connaughton, on the other hand, is reportedly the most likely player to be moved. Connaughton’s $9.42 million salary for 2024-25, coupled with a player option of the same amount for 2025-26, makes his contract a logical choice for shedding payroll.

However, his declining production and recent injuries may force Milwaukee to include additional assets as trade sweeteners to facilitate a deal.

As Windhorst and Bontemps note, the Bucks are currently over the second tax apron and need to clear approximately $6.5 million in salary to create financial flexibility for aggregating contracts in trades.

While the team has limited draft capital remaining, they do hold a 2031 first-round pick that could be included in trade negotiations.

Milwaukee’s aggressive approach is fueled by their determination to capitalize on the prime years of Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Despite their recent resurgence – winning five straight games and eight of their last nine to improve to 25-17 – the Bucks remain winless against top Eastern Conference rivals Cleveland, Boston, and New York, going 0-8 against the three teams ahead of them in the standings.

Currently sitting as the No. 4 seed in the East, the Bucks are eager to address their roster shortcomings and close the gap with the conference’s elite.

The organization’s willingness to part ways with players who were integral to their 2021 championship run underscores their all-in mentality.

While Middleton, Portis, and Connaughton have all been valuable contributors, the Bucks’ decision to trade Jrue Holiday earlier this season demonstrates their readiness to make bold moves if it means improving their title chances.