The Milwaukee Bucks are rumored to be looking at Zach LaVine on the trade market. It looks like the team is seeking offensive reinforcements to take some of the workload off Giannis Antetokounmpo upon his return. If so, LaVine makes some sense, but Michael Porter Jr. might be the better option as rumors swirl that he could be available in the right deal.
If it's between LaVine and Porter, Bucks should call Brooklyn
On the year, LaVine is averaging 20.2 points, three boards, and 2.3 assists while hitting 38.5 percent of his triples. He's a fine player who could inject an offensive spark into the lineup, but he's another 6-foot-5 guard on a team that already has a handful. Bringing LaVine into the fold is not doing much to stop opposing wings from hunting Milwaukee's smaller players.
Meanwhile, Porter, a player NBA insider Jake Fischer (subscription required) says could be available, has taken a leap with the Nets, averaging 25.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game while shooting 40.1 percent from deep. In addition to putting up better numbers across the board, Porter offers more size, standing at 6-foot-10 and actually being a small forward.
Adding to Porter's desirability is that he's shown he can play a complementary role on a title team, having won it all with the Denver Nuggets in 2023. One could argue it's because he's never had the chance to play with Nikola Jokic, but LaVine has not reached those heights.
Neither player is coming in and fixing Milwaukee's defense, but Porter would be the better fit on that end due to his size, at least. That, paired with his offense and rebounding, which the Bucks need very badly, makes him the obvious target. All of that goes without mentioning the money. Porter is making $38.3 million this year, while LaVine is at $47.5 million.
The Milwaukee Bucks have not been linked to Porter in rumors just yet. Meanwhile, LaVine has been the target connected to them the most in rumblings. If the Bucks want to patch their lack of size and add another formidable scoring option, that should be flipped. Porter is younger, cheaper, better, and fills a glaring need far better than LaVine would right now.
Of course, all of that means he'd likely cost the Milwaukee Bucks more in any trade, but if the team is willing to go all in, which reports suggest they are, it's worth considering.
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