If the Milwaukee Bucks are serious about winning the championship, they may have to deal Bobby Portis. Should they go along with it, Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report suggested a move that may help them develop a better rotation.
Buckley offered the following deal between the Bucks and the Sacramento Kings in a July 10 article. The Bucks have acquired Keon Ellis, Trey Lyles, and a 2025 second-round pick from the Portland Trail Blazers. Kings receives: Portis.
Buckley first stated why trading Portis could be difficult but necessary.
Buckley admitted that trading Portis would be difficult, but argued why both Lyles and Ellis would be suitable.
“Portis has been mainly fantastic in Milwaukee, but the Bucks could see Lyles filling a similar spark-plug role. Lyles has been less consistent as a shooter (though he made 38.4 percent of his threes this season), but he is as versatile on defense.
“If Milwaukee believes Lyles can be even 75% of who Portis is, that may be enough motivation to go. The Bucks desperately need a defensive upgrade in the backcourt, and Ellis recently gave the Kings a three-and-D jolt in the season’s second half. As an extra bonus, Milwaukee would get a valuable second-round pick to try to find another small boost somewhere.”
The Bucks have signed perimeter players including as Delon Wright and Taurean Prince. Ellis not only adds wing defense, but he also shot 41.7% from three-point range in 2023-24.
Bucks Could Trade Bobby Portis: Report
Portis could very possibly find a new squad before the 2024-25 season begins. Yahoo sports! Jake Fischer revealed that the Bucks may put him on the market, and he is not the only one. “The Bucks are still being mentioned by league personnel as a team to watch on the trade market,” Fischer said on June 28. “Pat Connaughton and Bobby Portis’ names continued to be mentioned as trade candidates as well, sources said.” .
Portis will start the third year of a four-year, $48.5 million contract. Portis has been an effective backup big man for the Bucks. His efforts contributed to the team’s 2021 NBA championship. If they can get more depth for him without giving up too much of what he contributes, that may be a worthwhile move.
Bucks are among the ‘biggest losers’ in the offseason.
Aside from their two free agent signings, the Bucks have done little during the 2024 offseason. Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report detailed why he believes the Bucks have been the greatest losers this offseason.
“While a couple other Eastern Conference contenders loaded up, the Bucks have mostly been offseason observers to this point, including watching starting shooting guard Malik Beasley sign with the Detroit Pistons,” Bailey said on July 10.
Bailey also defended the Bucks, stating why they did not want to risk further turbulence following the 2023-24 season. “Much of last season was pretty hectic, with the midseason firing of Adrian Griffin and a handful of injuries that made chemistry-building difficult with new point guard Damian Lillard.”
He concluded by addressing the hazards associated with the Bucks’ present roster.
“Lillard is also starting his campaign at the age of 34. He’s unlikely to improve much on defense at this point in his career. Middleton turns 33 in August, and injuries have plagued him the previous two seasons. Brook Lopez is 36.
“Aside from Giannis, who missed the 2024 playoffs due to his own injury, this squad is aging and lacking depth. If it doesn’t make a long playoff run in 2025, the pressure may mount shortly.”
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