The Milwaukee Bucks are in championship-or-bust mode and reportedly won't trade any of their main pieces as they pursue that title.
According to Eric Nehm of The Athletic, "all indications suggest that the Bucks have little interest in any deal that forces them to move one of their top four earners."
The four highest-paid players on the roster are Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez, so that would mean any potential deal would involve someone else. Perhaps that would mean Bobby Portis or Pat Connaughton being moved if there is a franchise-altering trade to be made.
Yet Nehm pointed out "they are well-respected locker room voices and have contributed to the Bucks' winning ways over their last four seasons together as key reserves, so neither player has seen their names mentioned in rumors and reports about potential trades over the last few seasons."
For his part, Connaughton said, "I don't even think about it," while Portis said, "I ain't heard nothing like that."
But something might have to change to cash in on those championship hopes.
While Milwaukee is 32-16 and in second place in the Eastern Conference standings, there are some potential flaws that could be an issue in the postseason. In particular, the team is a middling 19th in the league in defensive rating, per NBA.com.
Part of that can be explained by no longer having Jrue Holiday on the roster, as he is one of the best defensive guards in the league and consistently defended the opponent's best ball-handler while taking some of the pressure off Antetokounmpo on that end.
For as excellent of a player as Lillard is, he has never been known for his defensive prowess either.
The Bucks could use some more depth and a defensive presence as they pursue their second championship in four years. They reportedly aren't interested in moving one of their major pieces, so it may require some creativity from the front office.
