NBA Trade Rumors: Bucks 'Shopping Hard for Help' Before Deadline; Delon Wright Linked

The Milwaukee Bucks are still getting settled in with new head coach Doc Rivers, but the team is pushing to improve their roster ahead of the Feb. 8 trade deadline.

Per Yahoo Sports' Jake Fischer, the Bucks have been aggressive in the trade market to get some pieces around star Giannis Antetokounmpo and improve their roster to prepare for what will be a tough run through the Eastern Conference come playoff time.

"After switching head coaches midseason, the Bucks remain committed to improving their roster, 'shopping hard for help,' as described by one league source with knowledge of the situation," Fischer wrote.

According to Fischer, Washington Wizards shooting guard Delon Wright has been on the Bucks' radar as a possible target. Wright is averaging 4.4 points, 2.8 assists and two rebounds in 15.2 minutes per game off the bench.

According to Fischer, the Bucks are limited in the trade market with the No. 35 pick, Pat Connaughton and Cam Payne being the short list of assets available for an outgoing package. Milwaukee would need to include big man Bobby Portis in a deal to land a big-name player, according to Fischer.

"Milwaukee has limited options of outgoing packages, with the No. 35 pick, Pat Connaughton and Cam Payne as the Bucks' most likely outgoing scenario, sources said, and Bobby Portis would need to be included for Milwaukee to chase a bigger salary player like Dejounte Murray, Bruce Brown or Andrew Wiggins, sources said," Fisher wrote.

Portis is averaging 12.6 points and 6.9 rebounds off the bench, and the 10-year veteran has become a part of the Bucks' core and played an integral role in their 2021 Finals run.

The Bucks are in a good position ahead of this week's trade deadline, sitting in second place in the Eastern Conference at 33-17, just behind the Boston Celtics, who have the league's best record.

Still, Milwaukee's desire to improve its roster is valid. After winning it all in 2021, the Bucks have failed to reach the Eastern Conference Finals in each of the last two seasons. Last season, they were eliminated by the Miami Heat in the first round.

Now, the Bucks may try to bolster their roster as they look to make a Finals run.