The Atlanta Hawks have made questionable moves in recent years, but it shouldn’t deter them from exploring the current trade market.
In 2024, the franchise could target a passionate 6-foot-10 Milwaukee Bucks forward with an enticing skill set.
“The Hawks would be trading a player on an expiring contract that they got as a throw-in to help salaries match when they traded Dejounte Murray to the New Orleans Pelicans in Larry Nance Jr. in exchange for a two-time Sixth Man of the Year candidate who is off to a bad start,” Behind the Buck Pass’ Tyler Schickert wrote Monday.
“From the Hawks’ perspective, they can trade for Bobby Portis, who is an instant energy guy, gives a scoring boost off the bench and can help space the floor for a guy like Trae Young offensively.”
“The Hawks also have the possibility of having Bobby Portis not just for this year but next year as well if he opts into his player option.”
“The Hawks could get a solid bench scorer for possibly two seasons or flip him at any point before this year’s trade deadline or next year’s trade deadline should he opt into his $13.4 million player option.”
“Bringing in Bobby Portis could help the Hawks bench offense that ranks 20th in offensive rating and 27th in net rating.”
In Schickert’s simplistic trade idea, the Hawks would trade Nance to the Bucks for Portis.
Milwaukee has struggled to secure wins this season, but there’s no question Portis has been one of the few bright spots for the disappointing Bucks.
Portis is the organization’s third-leading scorer to start the year, averaging 12 points per contest off the bench.
Portis is shooting 26.7% from beyond the arc, but his 38.3% career three-point shooting average proves he isn’t a liability on the perimeter. Portis can drill pitch-back, kick-out, and one-dribble rhythm triples at a respectable rate.
He’s also comfortable executing mid-post shimmy shakes and low-post jump hooks to get into the scoring column.
Portis wouldn’t transform the Hawks into championship contenders, but he would provide Atlanta with an energetic veteran who isn’t a self-centered asset.
It would be in the Hawks’ best interest to consider pursuing the Arkansas product.
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