NBA insider Jake Fischer thinks the Milwaukee Bucks will be shopping in the $35 to $38 million range for players on the trade market. While seemingly more of a gut feeling than a concrete report, it does make sense for a team that is limited on salary they can send out. If that is indeed the ballpark, a trade for Michael Porter Jr. feels realistic.
Michael Porter Jr. makes sense for the Milwaukee Bucks
There are currently 14 players making between $35 and $38 million this season. However, 12 of them aren't going anywhere, including names like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Tyrese Maxey. The only two names who make some sense as players on trade watch are Michael Porter Jr. and LaMelo Ball. While the latter isn't a good fit for Milwaukee, the former could be.
Where has Milwaukee been depleted all season? Small forward. Taurean Prince is likely out for season with a neck injury. Amir Coffey hasn't panned out whatsoever. Thanasis Antetokounmpo isn't playing a key role, especially coming off an Achilles injury. The Milwaukee Bucks could desperately use another body on the wing, and Porter could be that.
In addition to simply being a legitimate small forward, Porter is currently having the most productive year of his NBA career. He's averaging 25.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.8 3-point makes, and 3.3 assists per game, all of which are new career highs. Some of that is because he's operating as a first option rather than a complementary role, but still, it's clear that he could help this team.
If the Bucks are indeed poking around this salary range, it means they'd be willing to move on from both Kyle Kuzma and Bobby Portis. Unlike players such as Zach LaVine, Porter offers size that would help make up for the loss of those two if both were to leave town. The Bucks are undersized as is; they cannot afford to get even smaller by trading away two big men.
Although the Nets are rumored to be listening to pitches on most of their roster, including Porter, as Fischer noted in a separate report (subscription required), it's unclear what they may be asking for in return. If they are looking to gut the Milwaukee Bucks of all their remaining assets, it's likely that there isn't much movement here. Porter isn't a "sell the farm" player, but the Bucks can make pitches.
Time will tell just how aggressive the Bucks are.
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