The Milwaukee Bucks are eyeing a major trade move, with Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal emerging as their most likely target over Miami’s Jimmy Butler. Both stars come with hefty price tags around $50 million.
But there’s a catch – the Bucks need to clear some financial space first.
They’ll have to find someone willing to take Pat Connaughton and his $9.4 million contract without sending salary back. It’s a crucial first step before they can even think about landing either star player.
“Milwaukee has received no whispered messaging intended to discourage the Bucks from trading for Butler,” reports NBA insider Marc Stein. Still, most signs point to Beal as their preferred choice.
The money matters are pretty complicated. The Bucks are about $6.5 million over the NBA’s second luxury tax line – a situation they’d love to fix by moving Connaughton.
Making things even trickier, Connaughton has a $9.4 million player option for next season. NBA executives are already viewing him as likely trade bait.
But here’s where it gets interesting with Beal: He’s got a no-trade clause and seems determined to keep it. Sources close to him say he won’t give it up, even if he eventually agrees to leave Phoenix.
The Suns don’t have much trading power left. They’ve only got their own 2031 first-round pick and a Denver second-rounder from 2025 to work with.
Meanwhile, Jimmy Butler’s situation in Miami is its own drama. He’s told the Heat he won’t sign a new deal and plans to use his massive $52 million player option next season as leverage for a trade.
The Bucks do have some attractive pieces to offer. They’re sitting on three first-round picks (2026, 2028, and 2030) plus a 2031 second-rounder. Though there are some swap rights involved with other teams, it’s still decent trade ammunition.
The NBA’s trade deadline is February 6, and the clock is ticking.
