If the Milwaukee Bucks trade Giannis Antetokounmpo this summer, the entire 2021 NBA title roster might be gone. Yes, Thanasis Antetokounmpo would obviously follow Giannis, but Bobby Portis has also been mentioned as a candidate to be on the move. Per NBA insider Jake Fischer (subscription required), the Bucks hope to move Portis in any deal that ships Antetokounmpo elsewhere.
Moving the fan favorite makes sense
While Portis has spent the last six years carving out a name for himself and cementing his status as a fan favorite in Milwaukee, the time has come. If Giannis does go, Milwaukee will pivot to a youth-driven stance. A 31-year-old, even if he could be a good veteran presence for the young guys, wouldn't be a seamless fit under that new direction.
The question is whether Portis would go directly with Giannis or if he would be rerouted to another team to send Milwaukee more assets. While his numbers were down this past season, Portis still is among the most productive reserves in the NBA, and plenty of contenders in need of size would be fine with getting their hands on him.
Making $14.5 million this season while holding a player option for $15.6 next season, Portis is on a fair deal, so looking to move him wouldn't be a massive struggle.
The championship roster is withering away
The two Antetokounmpos and Portis are the only ones currently left in town. Jrue Holiday got traded and is now a Trail Blazer. Khris Middleton is currently a Maverick. Father Time caught up to LA Clipper Brook Lopez. Pat Connaughton has embraced a veteran role in Charlotte. P.J. Tucker, the bruiser who was so essential during that title run, retired earlier this year. Time flies by.
The last few seasons certainly haven't been as memorable—or enjoyable—but no one can take away what that team did in 2020-21. With their backs against the wall and doubters aplenty, Milwaukee did exactly what they set out to do and snapped their title drought, putting together one of the greatest championship runs full of iconic plays in years. That team will live on forever.
For now, the three are all in town. The Milwaukee Bucks have not made any final decisions on what they will do with Giannis Antetokounmpo. There is still a sliver of hope that he will stay, which would leave the door open for Portis as well. Yet, it could very easily go the other way as well. The answer should come very soon.
Stay tuned for more Milwauke Bucks analysis.
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