NBA Rumors: P.J. Tucker, Matisse Thybulle Linked as Potential Bucks Trade Targets

As the Milwaukee Bucks search for a new full-time head coach, general manager Jon Horst is also busy trying to figure out trade options to help improve their leaky perimeter defense.

Per Yahoo Sports' Jake Fischer, the Bucks are "exploring a range of options" to fix that area of their roster ahead of the trade deadline, with P.J. Tucker and Matisse Thybulle cited as potential additions.

The Bucks don't have many resources left to trade because they are still paying off the Jrue Holiday deal with the New Orleans Pelicans, combined with the Damian Lillard trade in October that cost them Holiday, Grayson Allen, a 2029 first-round draft pick and two pick swaps.

Fischer noted Pat Connaughton and Cameron Payne, who are making a combined $12.5 million this season, are Milwaukee's best trade chips to bring back something that can help fix the defensive issues.

Alex Caruso was cited by Fischer as a "dream outcome" for the Bucks, but indications are the Chicago Bulls want multiple first-round picks before they would even consider trading him.

The Bucks appear to be in a state of disarray right now, despite owning the second-best record in the Eastern Conference (30-13). Adrian Griffin was fired on Tuesday, 43 games into his first season as head coach.

Assistant Joe Prunty will serve as Milwaukee's interim head coach for the time being, but Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reported the team is "working toward a deal" with Doc Rivers to take over.

The defense under Griffin ranks 21st in rating and 25th in points allowed per game.

It doesn't seem like Tucker is going to be that difficult to land in a potential trade. The 38-year-old hasn't appeared in a game for the Los Angeles Clippers since Nov. 27 after falling out of Tyronn Lue's rotation.

Thybulle might cost more than Tucker in a potential trade because he's only 26, has made himself a respectable three-point shooter with a 36.6 percent success rate over the past two seasons and is under contract with an $11.03 million salary in 2024-25, plus an $11 million player option for 2025-26.

Given the difference in their ages and recent on-court performance, Thybulle would probably a better fit for Milwaukee. But the Bucks are also in a position where they really can't afford to be picky while trying to keep maximizing their full potential with Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo.