Bucks’ Bobby Portis, Pat Connaughton Could Be Dealt amid Lopez Buzz

The Milwaukee Bucks could shake up their rotation during the 2024 offseason.

According to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, Pat Connaughton and Bobby Portis have “continued to be mentioned as trade candidates.”

The Bucks selected former G League Ignite forward Tyler Smith with the No. 33 overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft, which may impact the future of Brook Lopez. Fischer noted that Smith could replace Lopez as Milwaukee’s center “as soon as this season” if the front office moves on from the final year of the veteran’s contract.

The 36-year-old is set to earn $23 million in the final year of his current deal before he hits unrestricted free agency in 2025 (per Spotrac). The Bucks are likely attempting to achieve some financial flexibility by potentially moving several key rotation players, as ESPN’s Bobby Marks noted that the team is currently in the second luxury tax apron.

It would still be surprising to see all three depart in the offseason, as each one played an important role during Milwaukee’s run to a championship in 2021. Lopez and Portis were particularly crucial, as their shooting acumen gave Giannis Antetokounmpo more space to attack the rim.

The Bucks may be attempting to give Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard a younger supporting cast, as Portis and Connaughton will be turning 30 and 32 years old during the 2024-25 season, respectively.

Both bench scorers have player options for the 2025-26 season, so Milwaukee could attempt to move them instead of watching them potentially leave in free agency after declining their options in 2025.

Following first-round playoff defeats in consecutive seasons, Bucks general manager Jon Horst could be active on the trade market as he attempts to help the team become a true championship contender once again.

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Publish date : 2024-06-28 20:35:01

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