Report: Bucks looking to buy at trade deadline

The Milwaukee Bucks have told teams they intend to be buyers ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline despite languishing in the final play-in spot in the Eastern Conference, sources told The Athletic's Eric Nehm.

The Bucks have lost 11 of 14 and are 1-7 in eight games without Giannis Antetokounmpo during that span because of a calf strain. Antetokounmpo and Milwaukee's front office have also reportedly discussed his future with the organization.

A determination on whether Antetokounmpo will remain in Milwaukee is expected well ahead of the deadline, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania.

Still, the Bucks are aiming to add so Doc Rivers feels less of a need to use mismatched lineups, Nehm adds. Taurean Prince's absence due to a neck injury and subsequent surgery has contributed to a dearth of wings on the roster.

The Bucks reportedly inquired about the availability of Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine, who've they long had an interest in, according to Nehm.

Milwaukee has limited cap space beneath the first and second aprons after stretching the $112.6 million the team owed to Damian Lillard across five years, though the roster is short on tradable assets. The Bucks are also only permitted to move one of their existing first-round picks at the deadline, according to Nehm.