For months, Kyle Kuzma and Bobby Portis have been marked as the Milwaukee Bucks' likeliest trade assets in terms of players. Both players have only fueled the likelihood of a trade materializing due to their solid play lately, raising their value. As a good chunk of the league just became trade-eligible on December 15, the future of these two in Milwaukee is anything but certain.
Kuzma and Portis are likely being shopped as Bucks eye moves
The Athletic's Eric Nehm (subscription required) reports that the Bucks are eying a "significant" move as they look to turn their season around. Any huge move will require the salaries of Kuzma and Portis, who are the third and fourth-highest players in town. If the two were playing poorly, it would be much harder to trade them. With how they've been playing lately, there may be some interest.
Over Milwaukee's last five games, Portis is averaging 15.8 points and 6.6 boards, both of which rank second on the team. Kuzma is right behind him at 15.2 points and 5.2 rebounds, which rank third and tied for third in this stretch. With Giannis Antetokounmpo out, these two have stepped up and shown what they can do with increased opportunities.
Both players hold value. Portis has proven to be one of the better sixth men in the league over the last few years and could help any contender needing a boost. Kuzma is more of a financial commitment in the short-term, but unlike last year, he's playing like someone who could be of use on the big stage. Though the Bucks are stuck in the mud, teams will take notice of these two playing fairly well.
Kuzma has been trade eligible, but Portis just became available. Depending on how fast Jon Horst is looking to reshape this roster, the clock could be ticking for either player. As things stand, the likeliest move feels like a trade to Sacramento. The Bucks have been connected to Zach LaVine, and a trade would have to involve both for salary purposes. Milwaukee would be wise to keep looking, though.
There's no telling what the Milwaukee Bucks will do next, but where there is smoke, there's always fire. Given Jon Horst's aggressive history, it won't be surprising if he takes every asset he has and pushes them to the center of the table for what he thinks is a decent upgrade. The odds of finding interested parties for Kyle Kuzma and Bobby Portis have likely risen in recent days.
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