With a rocky 1-6 start to the 2024-25 season, the Milwaukee Bucks face mounting pressure to make tough decisions. Bobby Portis, a fan favorite since his contribution to the Bucks’ 2021 championship, is at the center of this scrutiny. As the Bucks aim to contend, Portis’ performance, contract, and role have ignited conversations about whether he still fits into their future plans. The Bucks, now facing serious limitations as a second-apron team, may need to make concrete changes.
NBA Business: The Bucks Set to Make Bobby Portis Decision
Struggles on Both Ends: Bucks’ Early Season Woes
The Bucks’ early season struggles go beyond Portis. Khris Middleton, once central to Milwaukee’s success, has yet to play this season, leaving the team to address its weaknesses without him. At 33, Middleton’s eventual return might help stabilize the Bucks, but his declining play and injury history suggest he may not fully resolve the team’s issues. While Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard remain at the core, the Bucks’ recent slump raises larger questions about the roster’s ability to compete at the highest level. The Bucks’ issues extend to both ends of the floor.
Perhaps the biggest epitome of their struggles on both ends is Portis. Bucks are experiencing a decline in offensive performance (-14.8 offensive rating) and a rise in defensive struggles (+11.2 defensive rating) when Portis is on the court. Opponents have exploited the Bucks’ defensive lapses, particularly when Portis is on the court. With a defensive rating of 120.2, the third-worst on the team, Portis has drawn criticism for his inability to shore up the Bucks’ defense.
Evaluating Portis’s Production and Contract
Despite his recent struggles, Portis has proven his value as a productive sixth man over the past two seasons, finishing third in Sixth Man of the Year voting twice. Averaging 13.9 points and 8.4 rebounds on solid shooting splits (50.2% FG, 38.8% 3P, and 77.9% FT), he’s shown himself capable of scoring and rebounding off the bench. Portis’s $12.57 million salary and his player option for 2025-26 make him an appealing trade piece for teams needing depth in their frontcourt.
For Milwaukee, Portis’s contract is both an asset and a potential liability. While his salary is modest for a player of his caliber, his defensive weaknesses make his fit with the Bucks questionable. In recent games, his inconsistent scoring and lack of defensive impact have highlighted concerns that he may not meet the expectations of a team with championship aspirations. This reality puts the Bucks in a position where moving Portis could help them acquire assets that better align with their needs.
Two Paths Forward for the Bucks
Milwaukee’s current roster limitations leave them with two realistic options: trade part of their core or move one of their key rotation players. Given their financial constraints as a second-apron team, the Bucks face steep penalties if they choose to remain passive, making it essential to act decisively.
Trading Core Players
The Bucks could explore the possibility of trading Middleton, Antetokounmpo, or Lillard. However, moving these foundational pieces would signify a significant shift in the team’s direction and would likely indicate a longer-term rebuild. Such a move might help the Bucks avoid the financial penalties tied to the second apron, but it also signals a step back in their championship ambitions.
Moving Key Role Players, Starting with Portis
A more measured approach involves trading one or more of their key role players, with Portis being the most likely candidate. Moving Portis could enable the Bucks to address their defensive issues and add younger assets that could bolster the team’s depth. With several teams around the league needing big men, Portis’s scoring, rebounding, and favorable contract terms might attract trade interest, giving the Bucks a chance to ‘sell high’ on a player who still holds considerable value.
The Potential Value of Moving Portis
Portis remains a valuable asset for several teams around the league, particularly those in need of frontcourt depth. His scoring ability, rebounding, and proven experience as a high-impact bench player make him appealing to contenders and rebuilding teams alike. For the Bucks, trading Portis would provide the opportunity to bring in players who can offer more defensive stability or better complement the skill sets of Antetokounmpo and Lillard.
While moving Portis could weaken their bench scoring, it could allow the Bucks to shore up their defense, particularly in the paint and around the perimeter. A trade could also yield draft picks or younger assets, providing Milwaukee with more flexibility to retool the roster while remaining competitive. Ultimately, the Bucks’ decision on Portis will hinge on their assessment of his value within their current system and how well he aligns with their vision moving forward.
A Bobby Portis Decision with Significant Implications for the Bucks
As the Bucks navigate an unsteady start to the season, the future of Bobby Portis remains uncertain. His production and fan popularity have cemented his place in Bucks history, but the team’s pressing need for improvement might necessitate a difficult decision. If Portis continues to struggle defensively and fails to regain his scoring touch, the Bucks may have no choice but to explore trade options.
The Bucks’ title aspirations and financial situation demand a swift response, and Portis’s contract offers a unique opportunity to address both. Milwaukee’s front office must weigh the potential benefits of a trade against the risks of disrupting team chemistry. With the Bucks facing a race against time to turn around their season, the decision on Portis could shape the team’s trajectory for this season and years to come.
