The Golden State Warriors have outlined their plans to make positional upgrades in the offseason. While there is an emphasis on cultivating wing depth, the Warriors have a specific need to bolster their frontcourt rotation as well.
This need for big men has the Warriors linked with many centers in trade rumors. However, a recent report by The Stein Line’s Jake Fischer suggested that the Dubs may show an interest in Milwaukee Bucks power forward Bobby Portis.
Fischer wrote: “Team executives expect Portis to have numerous potential landing spots in the midlevel market as well, although Milwaukee would like to bring back the 30-year-old forward, sources say. Golden State has always been a team to monitor for Portis, who has a notable fan in head coach Steve Kerr from their shared days during the 2023 FIBA World Cup competition with USA Basketball.”
Portis was a game-changing acquisition for the Bucks. Since his arrival in the 2020-21 season, the franchise slowly transformed and improved, eventually culminating in title success in 2022, owed to the contributions of Portis.
Since their title season, however, the Bucks have regressed. With injuries taking hold, among other reasons, Milwaukee gradually found itself out of the title picture. Now, they appear to be in a state of flux amidst all the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors.
Portis is currently on an expiring contract for the Bucks, worth $13.4 million as it stands. But this is only if the forward decides to exercise his player option to return to the team next season. Should Portis opt out and test free agency, as per Fischer’s report, the Warriors could very realistically look to float an offer to the 30-year-old.
Last season, the forward recorded an average of 13.9 points and 8.4 rebounds while showcasing shooting splits of 46.6% from the field and 36.5% from three-point range. Portis’ ability to crash the glass to snatch rebounds and spread the floor with his long-range shooting makes him an ideal fit for Golden State. His familiarity with playing under head coach Steve Kerr is an added bonus in this regard.
Acquiring the Bucks forward directly out of free agency may be feasible for the Dubs, who have a fair bit of cap space. But it is unlikely that Milwaukee will let him walk for nothing in return. Hence, a potential sign-and-trade deal could be proposed.
Any trade package coming from Golden State’s side is likely to feature either Moses Moody or Kevon Looney at this point. While Jonathan Kuminga is the Warriors’ most valuable asset, even amidst the trade rumors signaling his departure, it is becoming a real possibility that the team will retain him.
Thus, in a trade to acquire Portis, this is what a potential trade would look like.
Proposed Trade Details:
Golden State Warriors Receive: Bobby Portis
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: Kevon Looney, Gui Santos, 2031 second-round pick
Looney’s departure from Golden State is beginning to look more likely. Given the potential interest from the Los Angeles Lakers as well, the Warriors would be better off sending their big man out East.
Meanwhile, Gui Santos’ addition in this trade is to help the Bucks acquire a young rotation player for development. Similarly, the 2031 second-round pick is presented as an opportunity to build through the draft, although the Minnesota Timberwolves still have the right to swap this pick.
For the Warriors, this deal helps them acquire a legitimate inside presence who is also capable of shooting from distance. With additional defensive presence as well, Portis could very effectively help transform Golden State’s bench and boost their overall roster strength.
