Lately, it feels pretty obvious that the Milwaukee Bucks could benefit from shaking up their bench with a Bobby Portis trade.
Despite finishing third in the Sixth Man of the Year race in consecutive seasons, Portis has failed to find his footing this season. While the defensive lapses are nothing new, his poor shooting, grueling shot selection and lack of intensity on the glass have put him under a microscope. It's clear that the Milwaukee Bucks could use a new backup big man who better fits their current needs.
Using Portis and Portis alone, let us analyze several trade targets who would be good fits for the Milwaukee Bucks before the NBA Trade Deadline in the coming months. Keep in mind that due to second apron rules, the Bucks cannot take back more money than what they send out. Players have to earn $12.6 million or less this season to be considered realistic options for the Milwaukee Bucks.
No. 1 - Larry Nance Jr., Atlanta Hawks
There's a lot to like about Larry Nance Jr., and it starts with his defensive versatility. At 6-foot-8, he is capable of playing both the power forward and center positions while guarding just about anyone on the floor in switching situations. Not only does he have a massive edge on Portis in that regard, but Nance is also the better athlete, and the Bucks have found success relying on athleticism lately.
Nance has not been in Atlanta's rotation lately, so it is reasonable to think he could be available if the Milwaukee Bucks called. Swapping Portis for Nance might not be the ultimate needle-tipping move for Milwaukee, but it could unquestionably give them a player who simply fits better with the schemes they are currently implementing nightly.
No. 2 - Robert Williams, Portland Trail Blazers
Robert Williams checks off a lot of the same boxes as Larry Nance Jr., mostly that they are both a bit undersized at center - Williams is 6-foot-9 - and that they are versatile defenders. Williams would give the Bucks a legitimate shot-blocker down low behind Brook Lopez, as the big man is averaging nearly two blocks in just 18.7 minutes per game this season. He can also switch when guarding players.
Although Williams may have a higher ceiling than Nance as a player, Nance is by far the safer bet. Williams has consistently battled the injury bug in his career, and he's even sidelined now with a concussion. Trading for Williams would be a gamble, but the defensive potential he would bring to this bench may have Milwaukee Bucks fans salivating.
No. 3 - Matisse Thybulle, Portland Trail Blazers
Matisse Thybulle is not a big man, but he could still certainly help the Bucks. The wing is a two-time All-Defensive honoree who has made a living by oftentimes taking on the toughest matchups on a nightly basis. While the Bucks have found success with wings like AJ Green, Andre Jackson Jr. and Gary Trent Jr., adding another defensive ace into the mix would not hurt them.
Thybulle's value might be down at the moment because he is yet to play this season after undergoing a knee procedure. He is slated to return soon, so he wouldn't be a sizeable gamble, but there may still be a ramp up period once he does return. If the Milwaukee Bucks are comfortable with that, bringing aboard the All-Defensive wing would make plenty of sense to beef up their defense.
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