Could the Milwaukee Bucks also include Bobby Portis in a Giannis Antetokounmpo deal?
The Milwaukee Bucks are likely to trade Giannis Antetokounmpo in the offseason, perhaps as early as the NBA Draft on June 23.
Milwaukee could be in store for more offseason changes beyond Giannis as the team moves in a different direction. Trading their franchise superstar and one of the top five players in the league would signify a big change in philosophy from trying to compete for a championship to looking more at a rebuild.
The Bucks roster has a number of veterans and high-end contracts that could be used to match salary for other teams looking to shake things up after a disappointing season.
Bobby Portis On The Move?
NBA Associated Press writer Tim Reynolds said there is not much to add on the Giannis front, but did mention that Bobby Portis could be involved in the deal.
"There is a growing belief in some corners that the Giannis trade -- if it happens, of course -- will also include Bobby Portis," he wrote.
It is unclear if Portis would join the team that is also acquiring Giannis, or if he would be moved elsewhere.
Portis is owed $14.5 million this upcoming season and has a player option worth $15 million for the 2027-28 season before he becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2028.
The 11-year veterans played in 67 games this past season, averaging 13.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists. He's been with the Bucks since 2020, when he signed as a free agent, leaving the New York Knicks.
Portis was a key piece in the Bucks winning a championship in 2022.
The Value of Bobby Portis
Portis has been a consistent producer since joining Milwaukee. His scoring has remain around 14 points per game over the last five seasons, though his rebounding and defense slipped this past season.
Part of that could be Milwaukee struggling as a team overall, and Portis being relied upon in more areas with Giannis out of the lineup and there not being a reliable secondary creator like they've had in past years with the likes of Khris Middleton, Jrue Holiday, and Damian Lillard.
He shot 45% from three this past season, still showing a great ability to stretch the floor as a frontcourt player.
He's also a valuable voice in the locker room and is viewed as a leader by many of his current and former teammates.
Overall, he's been one of the best off the bench players in the league for the past five years.
