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Milwaukee Bucks: 4 buyout candidates

By Brian Sampson

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JANUARY 27: Robin Lopez #42 of the Chicago Bulls shoots against Ante Zizic #41 of the Cleveland Cavaliers at the United Center on January 27, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JANUARY 27: Robin Lopez #42 of the Chicago Bulls shoots against Ante Zizic #41 of the Cleveland Cavaliers at the United Center on January 27, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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The Milwaukee Bucks could be looking at signing a veteran who was bought out by his team in order to improve their depth for a playoff run.

The Milwaukee Bucks are in a position they aren’t accustomed to. As they sit at the top of the Eastern Conference standings, the teams below them were making moves in order to catch up. The Bucks then countered and got even better and here we are at the end of the first week of February and the Bucks are the favorites to represent the East in the NBA Finals.

That’s a crazy turnaround of events considering just 365 days ago, Milwaukee was limping toward the playoffs with Joe Prunty as their head coach.

Fortunately, the Bucks are in a position to make a deep playoff run. After getting even better on Thursday by acquiring Nikola Mirotic in exchange for Stanley Johnson, Jason Smith and four second round picks (three that the Bucks sent over), the Bucks will look to improve once again.

By shipping two players out and only bringing one back in, they have an open roster spot. That open roster spot likely means one thing; they will be searching to bring in a buyout candidate. It will be interesting to see who Milwaukee can and will bring in. They have a very deep roster and don’t have any glaring holes. Therefore, a veteran will have to claw and scratch for minutes if the join this squad. Here’s a preview of four players the Bucks could potentially chase in the buyout market.

Robin Lopez

Lopez, the not as good twin brother of Brook Lopez, will likely be bought out by the Chicago Bulls. His contract expires at the end of the season and Chicago simply has no use for him.

Lopez doesn’t fit into what the Bucks want to do offensively (shoot from the outside), but he’s a big body and a vet. When it comes to the playoffs, Milwaukee only has one guy who can guard Joel Embiid. Someone like Lopez would give them another option if it’s ever needed.

Wayne Ellington

Ellington is probably the best-case scenario for the Bucks and will likely have a lot of suitors. He’s expected to be released by the Phoenix Suns and has been linked to the Detroit Pistons, Oklahoma City Thunder and Philadelphia 76ers. It would be a huge steal even if the Bucks are loaded at his position, as it would keep him away from their rivals.

Dewayne Dedmon

Dedmon is the other best case scenario for Milwaukee. He’s a big body who can launch from the outside and would fit in perfectly for the Bucks on both ends of the floor. The Atlanta Hawks will likely move on from him and the Bucks should act quickly if they do.

Next. Grading the Bucks' trade deadline. dark

Marcin Gortat

Gortat is an ugly with the Bucks as well, but he’s a skilled big guy who can do a lot of things at an average level. He is another old school center in the mold of R. Lopez, but he’s someone who can body with the bigger centers the Bucks might see in the playoffs. Again, it’s purely a matchup thing, as he brings a skillset to the team the Bucks don’t already have.

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