If this is it, Milwaukee Bucks big man goes out with a bang in win over Hornets

The Bucks have to decide what happens next with Portis.

Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis handles the ball against Charlotte Hornets guard Josh Green during the first half at Spectrum Center on Wednesday.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis handles the ball against Charlotte Hornets guard Josh Green during the first half at Spectrum Center on Wednesday. | Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

One day before the 2025 NBA Trade Deadline, the Milwaukee Bucks shocked everyone when they agreed to trade Khris Middleton in a deal centered around Kyle Kuzma.

It was a reminder that if one of the longest-tenured and most important players in franchise history can be relocated, anyone (outside of Giannis Antetokounmpo) can be. That likely weighed on some players as the Milwaukee Bucks took the court Wednesday night in what could be their last game in Milwaukee before the Trade Deadline horn officially sounds Thursday afternoon.

One player who falls under this criteria is Bobby Portis, the big man who has captained Milwaukee's bench for years now. The sixth man has been shrouded in trade rumors for months now, and with a newfound dose of flexibility following the Kuzma trade, the odds of the Bucks trading him have grown even more. He may have just played his last game with the Milwaukee Bucks.

Bobby Portis dazzles in his return as Bucks beat Hornets

Portis returned to the lineup for the first time since January 23 after he missed significant time due to personal reasons, having told reporters that he lost a loved one. Despite missing so much time, Portis looked excellent as he started for Giannis Antetokounmpo, who was a late scratch due to a nagging calf issue.

The big man made his presence felt early with the increased role, bringing scoring, rebounding and hustle to the floor. Offensively, he finished with 23 points, scoring down low, from the perimeter and from the mid-range with some smooth jumpers. In addition to that, he picked up some of the slack as a facilitator, dishing out five assists.

Speaking of picking up slack, someone needed to help in the rebounding department with Giannis on the sidelines, and Portis answered the call. Looking like the ever-aggressive Portis from his early days with the Bucks, the veteran battled down low and hauled in 17 boards.

As if all of that was not enough, Portis showed some defensive chops as well with three blocks.

In total, he finished with 23 points, 17 rebounds, five assists and three blocks in a 112-102 victory for the Milwaukee Bucks. It was one of his best performances in a long time, and there's a chance it was his last one for the franchise. Nothing is definitive, but Portis - and several other Milwaukee Bucks - will likely keep a phone very close as the hours pass.

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