Bucks Seeking SF, Made Run At Caron Butler

With this week's press conference to announce the Larry Sanders extension, it seemed like the Bucks, like most teams, were done with their significant offseason work. That may not be the case, as sources tell Gery Woelfel of the Racine Journal Times that they're seeking to add an established small forward (Twitter link). Milwaukee attempted to trade for Caron Butler last month, Woelfel adds, but the former All-Star wound up going to the Suns in the same three-way trade that saw the Bucks cut ties with J.J. Redick.

Milwaukee is one of only two teams with significant cap room, with about $7.5MM worth of space, so they may be exploring free agents in addition to trades. There aren't any players of Butler's caliber left on the market, but other veteran options like Mickael Pietrus, Josh Childress and Stephen Jackson are among the unsigned small forwards with extensive NBA experience. Childress has reportedly drawn interest from multiple clubs of late, so perhaps the Bucks are in on him as well. Jackson seems least likely, since it would be tough to envision a reunion after he feuded with former coach Scott Skiles and found himself on the outs with the Spurs this season just as the playoffs were about to start.

Hedo Turkoglu could be another possibility, as he's acknowledged that it's unlikely he'll remain with the Magic for much longer. He's in talks with Orlando about a buyout of his expiring contract, which is worth $12MM but only 50% guaranteed. At least one team from overseas is already poised to make an offer if he becomes a free agent, but it looks like the Magic may try to see what they can get in a trade. The Bucks would have to send some salary out to make such a deal work, but with their glut of big men, they may be willing to make a deal, though that's just my speculation.

With dwindling free agent options and a quiet trade market, the Bucks may extend their search for a small forward into the season, or at least training camp, when other teams are more open to trades and some veterans — as Quentin Richardson was last year — might be cut loose.

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