The 25-17 Milwaukee Bucks have had a solid run since their dismal 2-8 season start. Milwaukee may be the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference, but the team feels worlds removed from the class of the conference, the 36-7 Cleveland Cavaliers and the 31-14 Boston Celtics.
Milwaukee is reportedly kicking the tires on some trades with the February 6 deadline less than two weeks away, ostensibly with an eye on upgrading their personnel.
Nine-time All-Star power forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, playing like he’s capable of winning his third MVP award, and seven-time All-Star point guard Damian Lillard are both on the north side of 30, but rapidly aging colleagues like center Brook Lopez and small forward Khris Middleton are depreciating as trade assets. Sixth man Bobby Portis is probably the team’s most appetizing realistic trade chip (beyond draft equity), from an opposing front office’s perspective…