The Vertical Front-Office Insider Bobby Marks, a 20-year executive with the Nets, breaks down the Milwaukee Bucks' situation as the Feb. 18 trade deadline approaches.

HANG UP IF THEY ASK ABOUT ...

The young core



Milwaukee exceeded everyone's expectations last year with a playoff berth. The Bucks' success a year ago advanced the rebuild for a team that won 15 games in 2013-14. Likely heading to the draft lottery in May, Bucks management should not focus on a quick fix that gets the team closer to the playoffs rather than staying the course of rebuilding while also remaining competitive.



Giannis Antetokounmpo, in his third season with Milwaukee, is still scratching the surface. The 21-year-old Antetokounmpo's ability to guard multiple positions, length and continued development has made him one of the cornerstones for Milwaukee. Still on his rookie contract, the Bucks will have the opportunity to lock him up for the long term this summer.

Jabari Parker has shown some of his potential in his recovery from knee surgery. (Getty Images) More

Jabari Parker has seen his minutes and play increase over the past month. Still rebounding from a torn ACL suffered last season, the 20-year-old Parker is starting to round into the player worthy of the second overall pick in 2014. Bucks fans should expect to see the full package from Parker next season. It is common for a player recovering from a knee injury to perform at his highest level two seasons removed from injury.

In a league void of 6-foot-8 wings with the ability to shoot the ball, Milwaukee has a gem with Khris Middleton. The 24-year-old Middleton struck gold this summer, signing a $70 million contract with Milwaukee. Although the price tag might seem high for the former second-round pick (Detroit), Middleton's $14 million annual salary will be below market value this summer with a rising salary cap.

When Milwaukee acquired Michael Carter-Williams last February, one could assume the Bucks were starting from scratch. Even with a Rookie of the Year award, Carter-Williams needed to improve his overall fundamental basketball. With structure in place and better players around him, the 6-6 point guard has begun to flourish this season. Although still a work in progress, Carter-Williams' size and athleticism are hard for Milwaukee to give up on.

Greg Monroe

The prize free agent last summer has lived up to the expectations. A constant double/double threat every night, the 25-year-old Monroe is in the first year of a three-year contract. As Milwaukee learned this summer, free agency is a tricky place to navigate and moving a player like Monroe would only set Milwaukee back to last July.



2016 first-round pick

No quick fixes for the Bucks, and that includes dangling a potential top-10 lottery pick. The Bucks' leverage will increase in the spring when they can target keeping the pick or searching for a team to bring back an impact player.



WORTH TAKING THE CALL

O.J. Mayo



Mayo has seen his overall play decrease this season. In the final year of his contract, the 28-year-old Mayo has been hurt by his inability to stay healthy this season. With an $8 million price tag, Milwaukee should have suitors if it is willing to take on salary for next season.



Miles Plumlee

Plumlee, a soon-to-be free agent, has seen spot minutes for Milwaukee this season. After posting a career season in Phoenix two years ago, Plumlee's minutes and production have dipped. On the fourth year of his rookie contract, Plumlee has value around the league for a playoff team looking for bench security in the spring.



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