Zaza Pachilia has returned to the Milwaukee Bucks' practice and is nearing a return from a stress fracture in his right foot.

Pachulia has missed 26 straight games due to the injury. He signed a three-year contract with the Bucks in the offseason.

"That was the plan (to return to practice Tuesday)," Pachulia said. "I don't know how ready I was but I did my best to prepare mentally, first of all. Physically, I've been doing a lot of things with the coaches and with Hack (strength coach Robert Hackett).

"I didn't know how it was going to go but it went well. I'm going to get stronger and I can't wait to come back."

Pachulia was not exactly certain when he will return.

The Milwaukee Bucks have given extended minutes to some of its younger players due to the team's injury woes.

"We were forced into it," said general manager John Hammond. "It wasn't the plan. Sometimes you are forced to change in midstream, so to speak. That's kind of what happened to us. We've put the young players out there. We're excited about their progress. The most important thing is they continue to improve now as the season progresses."

With a high pick in the 2014 NBA Draft forthcoming, Hammond has been spending more time scouting prospects.

"I can say for myself, I'm out (scouting) more than I have been in the past. What we're looking at at this point is a potentially prominent pick. Our hope, like any other team in a position like this, is to add a player that can help us and be a building-block piece. We've had a chance to see the top-tier first-round players and we will continue to do so as the season continues. This is the most important time. You have chances to watch guys (college players) practice and watch guys play."

The Milwaukee Bucks are actively engaged in trade talks involving Gary Neal.

The Bucks will do everything possible to trade Neal as the offseason signing hasn't worked out.

Neal and Larry Sanders engaged in a back-and-forth on Saturday overheard by reporters.

"I earned my money. Why don't you try it?" said Neal to Sanders.

Neal is in the first season of a two-year deal that pays $3.25 million annually.