NOVEMBER 25: The Bucks have signed Portis, according to the NBA’s official log of transactions.
NOVEMBER 21:: Free agent big man Bobby Portis has reached an agreement to sign with the Bucks, reports Shams Charania of The Athletic (Twitter link). He’ll get a two-year contract with a second-year player option, Charania adds (via Twitter).
The Bucks are signing Portis using their bi-annual exception, tweets ESPN’s Bobby Marks. That will mean a $3.6MM first-year salary with a $3.8MM option for 2021/22.
The Knicks declined an option on Portis earlier this week to make him a free agent. New York reportedly had an interest in re-signing the center but instead, he heads to the Eastern Conference powerhouse Bucks.
Portis, 25, appeared in 66 games (five starts) for the Knicks last season, averaging 10.1 PPG and 5.1 RPG. The Arkansas native spent his first three-and-a-half seasons in the Windy City with the Bulls before he was shipped to the Wizards in February 2019.
With Milwaukee, Portis and his 6’10’, 250-pound frame will get major minutes backing up the big man duo of reigning two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Giannis Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
That’s a shame for Milwaukee. Apparently they didn’t see him do enough below average things when he was here in Chicago. They’ll regret this signing by February 2021.
I doubt they’ll ask him to do much more than spot up for 3s and grab some rebounds. The Bucks are not awful like the Bulls and Knicks. He will not be required to do any heavy lifting.
He is a low risk signing just wolf have to play some D and shoot threes and rebound . Will probably play 15 to 20 min tops . He is an energy player
Right, you might see him for 15-20 minutes. He could make one three for your team, grab a few boards and mostly seem superfluous the rest of the time he’s out there, providing that energy burst that every team needs off the bench. Unfortunately the Bucks are going to struggle for enough depth, Portis is going to be embarrassed for how he performs under the pressure of a team that wants to win now and the owner will presumably fire management for this and other questionable decisions.
So, low risk. For Portis, who got a player option to cash in if this goes really south or to bail if some other team should want to give him an opportunity next year.
Poor Bucks are pinning hopes on Portis now? They were determined to make a big move, overspent on it and the remaining options left them to go this route in building a contender? Perhaps they can have some luck next year. And new management.
Who’s pinning their hopes on their backup center?
They traded for Jrue Holiday Lol
They already built a contender.
Seriously are you smelling burnt toast
Believe it or not, the guys you give 20 minutes a night in the rotation do matter a great deal in the postseason. Giannis and Holiday need to be surrounded by winning players, not Knicks/Bulls retreads.
Who on earth expects Portis to be getting 20 mpg especially come playoff time? He’s a big body who can shoot 3s and rebound while providing some energy off the bench. If the Bucks can add one more decent wing they should be in contention for a run at the finals.
what bigs are they going to play in the playoffs?
My guess Giannis will be playing closer to 36-38 mpg, B. Lopez will get 30 mpg and the remaining 28 will be split between Portis and another big who isn’t currently on the roster.
OK, now perhaps you see the limited depth the team has and why Portis is such a critical signing. There isn’t any depth to avoid relying on him, and pinning hopes on him having a breakthrough year is what the Bucks have done. There isn’t much cap room or available talent to slot in above Portis. There isn’t much depth behind him either. Available options for the price they want are not too attractive. Good luck, Bucks.
Also, Giannis averaged less than 31 in last year’s playoffs as the Bucks’ brain trust convinced him it was the best way to deploy his talents. His minutes have been down past two years as they get him to maximize effort and efficiency. Now they are going to tell him they scrap that plan because they can’t attract more depth of talent with their limited resources? So they need him to do much more than he has in winning two MVP awards? And this in a year where they want to convince him to sign a max deal?
This is watching a horrific accident in its process to reach disaster.
Ok so apparently the Holiday trade is now up to 4 teams does anyone know who gets what?
We’re doing our best to keep track of it in the “Unofficial” section here but there are still pieces missing: link to hoopsrumors.com
I hope I don’t sound appreciative because I am. You guys have done amazing job
Appreciate it, thanks!
Portis is a solid role player and a guy who isn’t afraid to throw his weight around.
Not my choice, not impressed. Good summaries above. For all the talk from Knick fans, nobody ever mentions Portis.
The Bucks rumors was that they would look for defense, but Portis can’t be considered strong there. Maybe cheap?— article^doesn’t say yet.
Okay $3.6mil +1. Fair. He made about $15mil last year
Yeah, the dollar amount really makes the deal better.
I actually like this signing, though somehow getting Jabari back would have been better. Hopefully Portis can contribute.
Giannis and Lopez could use exactly this type of help in the rotation, which was one of several weaknesses exposed by the Heat.
… along with Bud refusing to alter his original game plan he set in October 2019. This off-season still turns on whether Milwaukee can figure out how to get their hands on Bogdanovic yet.
No way to get Bogdanovic now unless Milwaukee is willing to part with BroLo. Otherwise they have no way of matching salaries.
the bogdanovich deal seems to be dead
Don’t slip up Greek bust or you might get that jaw broken!
Bucks are flinging deer turds against the wall to see what sticks. Giannis should wait….new cba will let him make lots more. Bogs would have helped…should have paid him. Should have kept Brogdon…not Bledsoe. No championship here.
From 15 mill to 3.5. I think Bucks did ok. He’s a backup big that needs motivation. Chasing a ring you would think does that. With no cap room this is a good signing. Still best thing for Bucks is getting Bogdanovic. Can’t believe they messed this up.
Basically the Bucks went from Robin Lopez ($5MM) to Portis ($3.6MM) as their back up big. Portis is younger, a better shooter and more athletic. So I don’t see why everyone hates this deal.