5 Offseason moves Bucks must be prepared to make to keep Giannis happy

3. Trade Bobby Portis for an upgrade

Portis continues to thrive as the Bucks’ sixth man. He averaged 13.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 24.5 minutes per game this season as he shot 50.8 percent from the field, 40.7 percent on his 3-point attempts, and 79.0 percent from the free throw line. His minutes and production were down a bit, but the 29-year-old is in his prime.

Portis is set to make $12.5 million next season, which is just below the non-taxpayer mid-level exception, and has a player option for the 2025-26 season. The Bucks have one of the best sixth men in the league on a value contract. There is little interest in trading him unless it becomes a necessity.

Milwaukee explored it before the trade deadline. They knew an upgrade was needed, but could not find the right deal. That pressure will increase if Giannis applies some this summer. Trading Portis and Pat Connaughton could get Milwaukee an upgrade, but will further impact their depth. The Bucks must decide how to best build out their roster moving forward.

If Giannis Antetokounmpo wants the Milwaukee Bucks to improve their title odds, it will take dealing one of their big four. Khris Middleton’s injuries have impacted his value, which puts the other two members firmly in the trade crosshairs.