The Milwaukee Bucks are reportedly on the hunt for more scoring before the trade deadline. One way they are looking at getting it is rumored to involve Keon Ellis and Malik Monk. Per HoopsHype insider Michael Scotto, the Bucks and Kings have had exploratory conversations on a deal that would send Portis and a minimum contract to Sacramento for Monk and Ellis.
While a trade centered on acquiring Monk and Ellis could help Milwaukee's scoring and add the athleticism they need, it does come with one major drawback. Any deal where the Bucks lose Portis and don't bring back anyone in the frontcourt will only leave them smaller, an issue that has plagued them again and again this season. A 6-foot-3 and 6-foot-4 guard could add fuel to the fire.
Bucks would need a backup plan to get size after this trade
Portis has had a fine season for Milwaukee, but his numbers are less productive than they have been in years. If the Bucks can move him for what they think is an upgrade, they should. Monk, though he's also having a down year, is a bucket-getter and prolific shooter who could beef up Milwaukee's bench scoring. Ellis is a tough defender who could provide some needed resistance on the perimeter.
If the Milwaukee Bucks can get this done without having to include any draft capital or one of their prized youngsters, such as Ryan Rollins, it's worth exploring. Milwaukee's bench has been horrific lately, and these two could help turn the tide.
While this proposed trade would hurt Milwaukee's size and give teams even more incentive to bully them on the glass or defensively, it's not a bad idea as long as the team makes another move or two to get bigger afterward.
If this is the exact framework, the Bucks would have some key pieces, such as Kyle Kuzma, left over to make another move. One would think Milwaukee could look to package Kuzma and whoever else to replenish their frontcourt depth, but that's just speculation. Yet, Kuzma and Jericho Sims being the backups to Giannis Antetokounmpo and Myles Turner would be a bold strategy.
It wouldn't be a perfect fix, but that particular situation could also open the door for the Bucks to promote Pete Nance. The big man has been playing exceptionally well on a two-way deal with the Wisconsin Herd, Milwaukee's G League affiliate, and looks like someone who could help at the NBA level if given a shot. The Milwaukee Bucks just might need him soon.
The NBA Trade Deadline is still a few weeks away, and the Milwaukee Bucks are rumored to be looking at everyone, so there's no telling what they will do. Yet, their rumored interest in Monk and Ellis stands out, and it could mark the end of the Portis era.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.