The Milwaukee Bucks saw their 2023-24 NBA season end far earlier than they anticipated when it first began. Following the trade for Damian Lillard, many expected Milwaukee to at least make it to the Eastern Conference Finals. With a core of Lillard, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, and Brook Lopez, they appeared to be among the teams to beat in the East.
Unfortunately, Antetokounmpo suffered a soleus strain that kept him out for the entirety of the Bucks’ first round series against the Indiana Pacers, which they lost in six games. Lillard, too, was limited in the series due to an Achilles injury. Middleton played the entire series, but also was playing injured.
The Milwaukee Bucks Will Face Challenges Upgrading Their Roster
The 2024-25 NBA salary cap is set at $141 million. Currently, the Bucks have over $209 million committed to their payroll next season. This means that they will, once again, be in the double apron level of the luxury tax. It also means they will not have any mid-level exceptions, nor will they get a tax-payer exception due to being repeating tax payers.
As far as trades go, Milwaukee aggregate salaries. This means that any trade that they take part in must have matching salaries. They cannot shed salary via trade, nor can they add more.
As one might expect, this makes the prospect of upgrading the roster very difficult. The only free agents they can sign will be on veteran minimum deals. It also means that if they want to add a key player via trade, they will have to give up one of their current main contributors.
NBA Analyst Suggests the Milwaukee Bucks Trade Bobby Portis to the Golden State Warriors
One of the players that has been at the center of many trade rumors and suggestions involving the Bucks has been perennial Sixth Man of the Year candidate Bobby Portis. This past season, Portis finished third in Sixth Man of the Year voting after averaging 13.8 points and 7.4 rebounds per game.
In an article in which he lists a trade that every NBA team must make, analyst Zach Buckley suggests that Milwaukee trade Portis to the Golden State Warriors for two players and two NBA Draft picks:
“The trade: Bobby Portis and Andre Jackson Jr. to the Golden State Warriors for Gary Payton II, Moses Moody, the No. 52 pick and a 2026 second-round pick (via ATL)
“Milwaukee’s roster is as top-heavy, old and tricky to change thanks to its proximity to the second apron and asset shortage. As painful as it would be to part ways with a mainstay like Portis, this roster isn’t significantly changing without a sacrifice of that magnitude.
“Some would argue this deal doesn’t significantly change the Bucks. That’s a fair criticism for now, but this deal could unlock the possibility of significant change in the near-future.
As seen, this trade would also involve sending Andre Jackson Jr. to Golden State, a move that would surely be unpopular with Bucks fans who were calling on head coach Doc Rivers to give him more playing time.
Buckley notes correctly, though, that it this deal may not significantly improve the Bucks’ roster right away. He also says this proposed deal would depend on how the front office views Moses Moody, who is a good shooter (36% from three) but did not get much playing time last season.
While Portis will remain the center of trade talks, especially since he is eligible for an extension, it is hard to see Milwaukee trade him for players that combined will not be able to match his impact.
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