More than half a season in, the Milwaukee Bucks continue refurbishing their squad.
No team is complete yet. The wheeling and dealing is not yet over.
However, for the Bucks, many things have been happening to them in recent weeks.
Most notable is the firing of rookie coach Adrian Griffin, who was instantly replaced by Doc Rivers.
They let go of Griffin even if they were 30-13, the second-best record in the league then.
The Bucks front office is not done with the renovations. General manager Jon Horst continues to comb the market for good assets that can put them in a better position to contend for the title.
This week, rumors have surfaced that the team is in trade talks for several role players.
Are they trying to get the players that will fit well in their system? Are they worth losing some assets for?
Here are some of them:
1. Grant Williams
NBA insider Marc Stein revealed that the Bucks and Dallas Mavericks have held "exploratory discussions" to trade Bobby Portis for Grant Williams.
Portis is seen as a liability in defense lately, while the team also seems to lack a good wing defender. He can shoot, but everyone else can do that.
Williams, who arrived in the Mavs last summer via a three-team trade, is having trouble finding a fit with Luka Doncic.
The talks are stalled as the Bucks reportedly did not want a straight swap, and they seek additional players or draft picks.
Grade: Good. This is a good move for the Bucks, as Williams can play multiple positions. He can guard forwards and centers, which will relieve Giannis Antetokounmpo of defending responsibilities when they are together on the court.
2. Andrew Wiggins
Andrew Wiggins of the Golden State Warriors is another player linked to the Bucks. Like in the discussion with the Mavs, Portis is at the center of the trade.
"Although in order for Milwaukee to reach Wiggins' $24.3 million salary, the Bucks would need to include forward Bobby Portis in any outgoing package, and Milwaukee, sources said, is going to think long and hard before sacrificing Portis in any deal at this deadline," per Yahoo Sports.
Wiggins is struggling this season, averaging less than five points from his output in 2023.
Grade: Neutral. This might be a good trade if they just want to unload Portis. Wiggins is a good wing defender. However, the Bucks' system is about surrounding Giannis with shooters, and the former no. 1 overall pick appears inconsistent in that department.
3. Bruce Brown
The Bucks, according to writer Brett Siegel, are ready to ship out Cam Payne and Pat Connaughton to acquire Bruce Brown from the Toronto Raptors.
Brown, an NBA champion with the Denver Nuggets, is still fresh from getting traded to the Raptors from the Indiana Pacers last month.
He is a 3-and-D guy, and he could be an upgrade for Malik Beasley, who may be shooting well from the three but sometimes becomes a defensive liability on the wing.
The problem with acquiring Brown, though, is his salary. He is currently in the first year of the two-year $45 million contract he signed with the Pacers.
Grade: Good. Brown will be a great fit with the Bucks for his tenacity on the defense and offensive prowess. He could be their answer to the top guards in the East come playoff time.
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