The Milwaukee Bucks season is not going according to plan. The losses have been piling up over the last month. Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future is in flux.
With all of the things that have been going wrong, it might be worth looking into making a few trades. And the first guy they should consider moving is Bobby Portis. The big man is on an expiring contract, and could help bring assets back for the longer term picture.
Portis has had some big moments while in Milwaukee, but his days here may already be numbered.
The Los Angeles Lakers could be open for business and the big man would fit well coming off the bench for JJ Redick.
The potential proposed trade here would send Jarred Vanderbilt and Dalton Knecht to Milwaukee, in exchange for Portis. Let’s analyze.
Why Bobby Portis Trade Makes Sense for Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks currently sit at 11-16, in the number 10 spot in the Eastern Conference. This was certainly not the plan, as they had been expected to make a bit more noise after adding Myles Turner at the center position.
Things reached their low point in a recent game to the rebuilding, struggling Brooklyn Nets. Milwaukee lost by 45, giving their opponents the most lopsided victory in franchise history.
At this point, change is clearly needed. Moving Bobby Portis seems to be the way to go. The first big off the bench has had some big games this year, too. But, his defense seems to be a major issue here.
With that in mind, bringing in a guy like Jarred Vanderbilt could help their defense tremendously. He proved in Minnesota, as well as with the Lskers, that he can be a game-changer on that end of the floor.
Additionally, they could add yet another shooter in Dalton Knecht. The Tennessee product has struggled to fit in with LA, most notably after being sent back following the reneged Mark Williams trade.
Knecht had 30 points in a recent G-League game, proving again that when given the chance, he can fill it up.
Now, let’s talk about why it makes sense for LA.
Why Trade Makes Sense for Lakers
The Lakers currently sit at 18-7, #3 in the deep Western Conference. Things have been fantastic this year, as they’ve learned that Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic play incredibly well off of one another.
One thing missing with the team though, is depth. DeAndre Ayton has been the quality starting center they had hoped for, but there isn’t much behind him. Jaxson Hayes is still not putting up consistent production.
Combine that with Jarred Vanderbilt not playing long stretches, and it is clear that this team needs one more competent big man. Bobby Portis would be a perfect fit for the team. He spaces the floor. He crashes the glass.
And while Portis has had some struggles on defense, leave it to a coach like JJ Redick to get the most out of him.
If LA wants to keep Vanderbilt, perhaps they could entice Milwaukee with Maxi Kleber and a future pick. The salaries would still match.
Knecht doesn’t seem to fit well here anymore. So moving him to a team where playing time may be there would certainly make sense.
Let’s see if the front offices get on the phone.
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