"John Salmons played a huge role as the Chicago Bulls secured a playoff berth and nearly upset the Boston Celtics in a first-round series last season.

Now the Milwaukee Bucks are gambling he can have a similar impact for them in the final 30 games this season as they try to gain a playoff spot for the first time since 2006.

The Bucks were set to acquire the 6-foot-6 guard before Thursday's trade deadline in exchange for expiring contracts, league sources said, although the Milwaukee players involved were not confirmed as of Wednesday night. Forward Hakim Warrick and center Francisco Elson were the Bucks players expected to be in the deal, but late Wednesday the situation was still fluid regarding the Bucks going to Chicago.

Warrick, who has a $3 million expiring contract, suited up but did not play in the Bucks' 127-99 loss to the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night. Elson has an expiring deal worth $1.7 million.

Bucks officials would not immediately confirm a deal had been reached, and a team spokesman said no trade would be announced Wednesday night.

When Bucks coach Scott Skiles was asked if a deal was official, he said, "Nothing I can comment on right now."

It's possible the Bucks could pursue an additional trade before the deadline at 2 p.m. Thursday.

"It's a business and no matter what, you've got to be ready," Warrick said after the game. "You wonder, when it comes around this time and the deadline. Especially when you have a one-year deal, it's tough.

"You try not to let it bother you. If you worry about that, you definitely won't be able to perform at your best.""