The Milwaukee Bucks are back among the favorites to win the Eastern Conference, with arguably the highest chance of defeating the reigning champion Boston Celtics.
Still, much of the Bucks’ core around Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard is past their prime. It could be in their best interest to move on from one of their big men: Brook Lopez or Bobby Portis. Considering each thrives in different areas, it’s a matter of preference for Milwaukee’s front office.
If the Bucks opt to part with the latter, a trade similar to the following could take place between Milwaukee and the Dallas Mavericks:
Mavericks receive: Bobby Portis
Bucks receive: Naji Marshall, Dwight Powell, 2030 first-round pick (via SAS)
Marshall is a 26-year-old forward in the midst of a breakout season. He is averaging 11.5 points and 3.3 rebounds on 52.9% shooting. It begs the question of why the Mavericks would be willing to part with him. It’s simply a matter of how Portis fits with their rotation.
Mavs big men Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford provide almost no floor-stretching ability alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Adding Portis, who is shooting 39.6% from three-point range this year, is a recipe for success.
Meanwhile, as previously mentioned, the Bucks maintain competitiveness while also securing a future first-round pick. Milwaukee does not control their own first-round selection until 2031, so tanking is not an option.
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