Kevin Porter

Giannis Antetokounmpo Will Reportedly Consider Leaving Bucks

May 12th, 2025 at 8:58am CST by Arthur Hill

Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo has become open-minded about considering opportunities outside of Milwaukee for the first time in his career, sources tell Shams Charania of ESPN.

Teams have routinely called to check on Antetokounmpo’s potential availability in recent years, and that process is expected to intensify as they gather in Chicago this week for the draft combine, Charania adds.

Antetokounmpo’s representatives, Giorgios Panou and Alex Saratsis, will meet with Bucks officials at some point to discuss the team’s future and determine whether Milwaukee is still the best fit for their client, according to Charania’s sources. The Bucks are reportedly resistant toward the idea of trading Antetokounmpo, who is still under contract through the 2026/27 season and holds a $62.8MM player option for the following year, and are unlikely to pursue a deal unless he requests it.

Speculation about a possible Antetokounmpo trade has been rampant since the Bucks were eliminated by the Pacers last month, marking the third straight year they have been ousted in the first round. Antetokounmpo has been open about his desire to add another championship to the one he captured in 2021, and there are doubts regarding whether he still has any hope of achieving that in Milwaukee.

The situation became more dire with the torn left Achilles that Damian Lillard suffered in Game 4 of the Indiana series. Lillard underwent surgery last week and faces a lengthy rehab process that could force him to miss all of next season. That would leave the Bucks without a second star to team with Antetokounmpo and little chance to acquire one as Lillard remains on the books for $54.1MM next season with a $58.5MM player option for 2026/27.

Charania notes that Antetokounmpo, a finalist for MVP honors, just completed one of the best seasons of his career, averaging 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds and 6.5 assists in 67 games while shooting 60.1% from the field. He raised those numbers in the playoffs, posting 33 points, 15.4 rebounds and 6.6 assists per night in the five-game loss.

Antetokounmpo has established himself as one of the greatest players in Bucks history since being selected with the 15th pick in the 2013 draft. He’s a two-time MVP and a nine-time All-Star, and he delivered the team’s first NBA title in 50 years.

According to Charania, Milwaukee’s .663 winning percentage since 2018/19 is the best in the league. However, the Bucks only have one playoff series victory since their 2021 championship season.

If Antetokounmpo goes on the market, teams that can offer young talent and a stockpile of draft assets are considered to be the most likely destinations. The Rockets, Spurs, Thunder and Nets have already been mentioned prominently in trade speculation, but Milwaukee’s front office would likely hear offers from all 29 rival teams.

Charania notes that the Bucks have an opportunity to remake their roster this summer, with Kyle Kuzma, A.J. Green, Andre Jackson, Chris Livingston and Tyler Smith joining Antetokounmpo and Lillard as the only players currently under contract. Bobby Portis, Pat Connaughton and Kevin Porter Jr. hold player options for next season, and they could decide to join Brook Lopez, Taurean Prince and Gary Trent Jr. as free agents.

However, the Bucks are already facing cap concerns as Antetokounmpo, Lillard and Kuzma will earn roughly $130MM of the $164MM they already have committed for 2025/26. General manager Jon Horst has limited draft assets to offer in any trade, with the franchise not controlling any of its first-round picks until 2031.

Charania notes that the Bucks were able to escape the second apron with the Kuzma trade in February, but they still have limited breathing room heading into the summer. They’re currently about $23MM below the luxury tax and $41MM away from a return to the second apron for next season.

Charania points out that even a modest offseason that includes re-signing Lopez, using the $14.1MM non-taxpayer midlevel exception and filling out the roster with minimum-salary signees would put Milwaukee into tax territory for the sixth straight year.

Bucks Notes: Giannis, Rivers, LaVine, Horst

April 30th, 2025 at 5:14pm CST by Arthur Hill

Now that the Bucks‘ season is over, Giannis Antetokounmpo will meet with management to discuss plans for his future and the team’s, writes Jamal Collier of ESPN, citing sources who spoke with the network’s Shams Charania. It’s a meeting that takes place every year, but the upcoming version will be anything but routine. As Collier notes, if Antetokounmpo decides he needs to leave Milwaukee to be part of a title contender, it will have enormous ramifications for the franchise and the league.

It’s easy to see how he could reach that conclusion after Damian Lillard suffered a torn left Achilles in Game 4 of their playoff series. The recovery process usually takes a year or more, so Lillard is unlikely to play next season, but his $54.1MM salary will remain on the team’s books, along with a $58.5MM player option for 2026/27. That and a shortage of draft capital will limit the Bucks’ ability to improve the roster this summer.

Antetokounmpo, who won a title with Milwaukee in 2021, is determined to capture at least one more before he retires. Collier notes that he discussed that topic earlier this month on a podcast hosted by his brother, Thanasis.

“Me not having a second championship — I look back at my career and everybody can say, ‘Oh, incredible career, active Hall of Famer, first ballot, whatever, but me, my personal goal, if I am not able to help my team win a second ring, I’m letting down myself,” Giannis said.

After Tuesday’s Game 5 loss, in which the Bucks squandered late leads in regulation and overtime, Antetokounmpo took on much of the blame, saying he needs to play better. But he was easily the best player in the series, averaging 33.8 points, 14.3 rebounds and 5.0 assists on 62% shooting, as he was healthy for the playoffs for the first time in three years.

Collier points out that Antetokounmpo has shown loyalty to Milwaukee whenever he’s had a chance to leave, signing a super-max extension in 2020 and another deal in 2023 that runs through the 2027/28 season. However, the team enters this offseason in a much different position, and Antetokounmpo may determine that his best chance to win is to go elsewhere.

There’s more from Milwaukee:

Antetokounmpo expressed support for coach Doc Rivers after Tuesday’s loss, Collier adds. Rivers has compiled a 65-53 record since taking over in the middle of last season, but he has two first-round playoff ousters. Rivers said he believes in the talent the Bucks have on hand and wishes the season could have played out differently. “I would love this team full,” Rivers said. “I really do. I would love this team where Dame was healthy and all that, but that wasn’t in the cards this year. What was in the cards was we found a lot of players through the year because of all the adversity that we had. A.J. Green came out of nowhere, and he’s a sensational player. Gary Trent Jr. has proven that he’s not only just a solid NBA player, but better than that. Bobby (Portis) playing heavy minutes at the five. Jericho (Sims) — another guy that we picked up and he turned out to be a force. (Kevin Porter Jr.) is going to be solid for us. He’s proven that he’s an NBA player, and (Kyle Kuzma), who didn’t have a great series, will help us. We never got him into the position where he could have been more successful. We will do that and he will be a successful player for us moving forward.”
The Bucks don’t control any of their first-round picks until 2031, and sources told Collier that they were unwilling to discuss that selection at the trade deadline. Collier hears that the team inquired about several high-profile players, including Zach LaVine while he was still in Chicago, but the reluctance to include the draft pick in any deal limited the front office’s options.
The franchise was determined to keep general manager Jon Horst after preventing him from meeting with the Pistons last offseason to discuss a position in their front office, sources tell Collier. Horst received a multiyear extension last week.

Central Notes: White, Porter, Cade

April 6th, 2025 at 1:40pm CST by Alex Kirschenbaum

Having been fully given the keys to the Bulls‘ offense in the wake of Chicago’s Zach LaVine deadline trade, guard Coby White has been playing at the highest level of his career of late, writes Julia Poe of The Chicago Tribune.

The 6’5″ pro has scored at least 20 points in 16 of his last 17 games, and he and LaVine are now the only Chicago players ever to have racked up over 400 points and 40 three-pointers in a single month. White surpassed his own franchise record on Sunday for the most made three-pointers in a single season.

“I’m not going to limit myself to anything,” he said. “I’m going to continue to get better, continue to be who I am and put my all into this game. Whatever happens after that happens.”

There’s more out of the Central Division:

Newly acquired Bucks guard Kevin Porter Jr. enjoyed a superlative performance in a critical 121-115 overtime victory over the Heat on Saturday, writes Eric Nehm of The Athletic. Porter scored 24 points, grabbed 12 boards, and dished out eight dimes. He has been counted on more for ball-handling and play-making in the wake of Damian Lillard‘s absence due to a blood clot. Porter also sealed the win with a clutch late bucket beneath the basket. “Fortunate enough I’ve been in those moments where one shot can win the game, or one play, so I just trusted my work, trusted myself and I felt good and confident when I got the trust in my teammates to make that last play,” Porter said. “Those are the moments we live for. I love being in those moments, and I’ll take that shot every chance I get.”
Pistons All-Star guard Cade Cunningham missed two weeks of action with a left calf contusion. In his first game back on Saturday, a 109-103 loss to Memphis, Cunningham looked pretty much like himself, putting up 25 points, nine boards, and four assists. As The Athletic’s Hunter Patterson relays, Cunningham told reporters he was comfortable returning to the hardwood. “I got hit in my left calf and then it made my right calf tighten up a lot,” Cunningham said of the initial injury. “So it’s just a lot going on. I got sick at the same time, so it was just trying to battle a lot of different things. (Our) training staff got me right, though. I feel great now. So, I feel good going into the playoffs. It was a good game for me to try to shake off the rust.”
In case you missed it, Detroit big Isaiah Stewart returned from a recent two-game suspension in the Memphis matchup.

Bucks Become Sixth Eastern Team To Clinch Playoff Berth

April 5th, 2025 at 5:08pm CST by Arthur Hill

Atlanta’s loss to New York this afternoon ensures that the Bucks will land one of the East’s six automatic playoff spots (Twitter link). Milwaukee entered today needing either a win at Miami or a Hawks loss against the Knicks to become the sixth Eastern team to officially clinch a berth. Atlanta’s 121-105 defeat means the Bucks are definitely in before they take the court.

It’s the team’s ninth consecutive playoff appearance, and while that’s a significant achievement, it’s not going to be enough to satisfy fans in Milwaukee after being ousted in the first round in the past two years amid injuries to Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Bucks may have to put together a significant postseason run to avoid major changes this summer.

A large question looming over the organization ahead of the playoffs is the health of Damian Lillard, who has been sidelined since March 18 with a blood clot in his right calf. Coach Doc Rivers expressed optimism about Lillard’s condition earlier this week, and it appears the chances are increasing that he’ll be ready when the playoffs begin in two weeks.

The Bucks are also preparing for the return of Bobby Portis, who will be able to resume playing Tuesday after serving his 25-game suspension. Portis is one of the league’s top reserves, averaging 13.7 points, 8.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 46 games before being suspended.

As always, Milwaukee’s fortunes will rest heavily on Antetokounmpo, who was selected to the All-Star Game this season for the ninth straight year. He’s putting up MVP-level numbers once again at 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds and 6.2 assists in 63 games, and he’s leading the NBA in both shots and free throws attempted per night. He missed All-Star Weekend due to a calf strain, but he’s been healthy for most of the season.

The Bucks made three additions at the trade deadline, picking up Kyle Kuzma from the Wizards, Kevin Porter Jr. from the Clippers and Jericho Sims from the Knicks. Kuzma moved into the starting lineup, Porter has become a valuable reserve and Sims was seeing minutes as a backup big man before undergoing thumb surgery last month.

At 42-34, Milwaukee is a half-game behind Detroit for fifth place in the East. The Bucks appear headed for a first-round series against the Knicks or Pacers, depending how the rest of the season plays out.

Damian Lillard Has Blood Clot In Calf, Out Indefinitely

March 25th, 2025 at 8:05pm CST by Dana Gauruder

8:05pm: A league source tells The Athletic’s Sam Amick and Eric Nehm that there is “a great deal of optimism” that Lillard will return this season.

7:48pm: Bucks star guard Damian Lillard has been diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in his right calf and is out indefinitely, ESPN’s Shams Charania tweets.

Lillard is on blood-thinning medication, which has stabilized the blood clot, and will continue with regular testing.

Speaking with NBA Insider Chris Haynes (Twitter link), Lillard said, “It’s unfortunate that something outside of my control would come up. Along with the Bucks’ medical staff, our priorities are to protect my health and safety. As much as I love basketball, I need to be there for my kids and my family. I’m grateful the Bucks acted quickly on this. They’ve been supportive and proactive throughout this process. I look forward to moving past this and continuing my career.”

According to Bucks general manager Jon Horst, Lillard is unlikely to experience a reoccurrence of this blood-clotting issue once he recovers, Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype tweets.

“Damian’s health is our No. 1 priority,” Horst said. “We will support him as he moves through this weekly process of strict criteria to ensure that it is safe for him to return to play. Doctors have indicated that his situation is very unlikely to occur again. We are thankful that this was identified and medicated quickly, which helps with the recovery.”

If Lillard can’t return this season, it will be a massive blow to the Bucks’ postseason hopes. They’re currently battling Indiana and Detroit for the fourth spot in the Eastern Conference.

Lillard is averaging 24.9 points, 7.1 assists and 4.9 rebounds per night in 58 games this season. He’ll now be ineligible for any NBA postseason honors. His last appearance was a 16-point outing against Golden State a week ago.

Lillard’s absence will put even more pressure on Giannis Antetokounmpo to put up monster numbers. Ryan Rollins has been starting in Lillard’s place and will likely continue to do so, with Kevin Porter Jr. taking on extra minutes in the second unit and Andre Jackson Jr. also moving up the depth chart.

Bucks Notes: Giannis, Porter, Sims, Kuzma, Bridgeman

March 16th, 2025 at 2:01pm CST by Luke Adams

The battle to be named the NBA’s Most Valuable Player this season has turned into a two-man race, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic considered the heavy favorites to earn the honor. But two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo has been arguably just as productive this year as he was in the two seasons he won the award (2018-20), a fact that Bucks head coach Doc Rivers highlighted following Saturday’s victory over Indiana.

“It’s funny, I was talking to one of the better coaches in the league and he brought it up,” Rivers said, per Eric Nehm of The Athletic. “He said, ‘How the hell is no one talking about Giannis? He is doing different stuff. His assists keep going up. I mean, I don’t know what the guy has to do.'”

Across his two MVP seasons, Antetokounmpo averaged 28.5 points, 13.0 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 1.3 blocks per game, with a 56.6% shooting percentage. Through 54 games this season, the star forward has put up 30.6 PPG, 12.1 RPG, 5.9 APG, and 1.2 BPG on 60.5% shooting.

“I’m not going to campaign (for him to be named MVP),” Rivers continued. “I’m not going to do that, but he is a forgotten guy with what he’s doing for our basketball team.”

Here’s more on the Bucks:

The Pacers won four of five regular season games over Milwaukee a year ago, then knocked the Bucks out of the playoffs in the first round. The two teams currently hold the fourth and fifth spots in the East and could meet in the first round again this spring, so the Bucks recognized the importance of Saturday’s victory, which gave them the tiebreaker edge over Indiana, as well as a one-game lead in the standings. “Obviously, we wanted to get the tiebreaker,” Damian Lillard said, according to Nehm. “And a team that we’ve played so many times over the last two seasons, you know it’s going to be a physical game. It’s gonna be a competitive game … but we were able to pull it out, so that’s what really counts.”
In a separate story for The Athletic, Nehm takes a look at how trade-deadline additions Kevin Porter and Jericho Sims are impacting the Bucks, writing that getting Porter’s ball-control issues in check is a priority. Entering Saturday’s game, the guard had committed multiple turnovers in nine consecutive games despite averaging just 15.6 minutes per night. “That’s non-negotiable,” Rivers said. “Especially late in the season, you just can’t turn the ball over. He knows that, but he’s still doing it right now. But we still want him to be aggressive.” Porter had 16 points and four assists with no turnovers in 19 minutes of action on Saturday.
Of course, the Bucks’ biggest deadline addition was Kyle Kuzma. Jamal Collier of ESPN explores what Kuzma has brought to the team and why general manager Jon Horst believes that the forward’s versatility will make Antetokounmpo and Lillard more dangerous.
As outlined in a report from The Associated Press, the Bucks are wearing patches on their jerseys for the rest of the season to honor Junior Bridgeman, the team’s minority owner and former player who died this past week.

Bucks Notes: Giannis, Lillard, Porter, Trent

March 5th, 2025 at 11:17am CST by Luke Adams

Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo has never been a three-point marksman and is attempting fewer outside shots than ever this season, having gone just 8-of-42 from beyond the arc. However, that decline in three-point tries has coincided with an uptick in shots from the mid-range, where Antetokounmpo is getting more and more comfortable.

Jim Owczarski of The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (subscription required) takes a closer look at the two-time MVP’s offensive evolution, digging into how favorably his mid-range numbers stack up against his peers. Of the 35 players who have averaged at least 2.5 mid-range attempts per game this season, Giannis ranks seventh with a 46.8% mark, putting him ahead of DeMar DeRozan, Kawhi Leonard, and Jalen Brunson, among several other stars.

“We are seeing a lot of growth in his game,” teammate Taurean Prince said. “It’s crazy to say but he’s getting better. Every day he’s adding on. Obviously the mid-range to his game and now guys gotta kind of step up and respect it. Whether they contest it or feel like he’s going to make it or not that’s up to them, but him adding to that to his game makes him more deadly.”

Despite attempting more mid-range shots, Antetokounmpo continues to score as efficiently as ever. He’s averaging 30.8 points per game with a .604 FG% this year after becoming the first player in NBA history to average at least 30 PPG with a field goal percentage of at least 60% in 2023/24.

Here’s more on the Bucks:

Point guard Damian Lillard took a Clint Capela elbow to the left eye during the first quarter of Tuesday’s win over Atlanta and initially called for a substitution, but he was ultimately able to stay on the court and finish the game. He explained after the victory that his vision blurred after the play, but improved with time. “It got better, it just was hard to keep my eye just open,” Lillard said, according to Owczarski. “My right one I could see clear, this one was just kind of like, blurry. From the impact this side of my face was a little irritated. That was it.”
Reserve guard Kevin Porter Jr., acquired from the Clippers at last month’s deadline, has fit in well in Milwaukee so far. On Tuesday against the Hawks, he scored 15 points in just 12 minutes for the game and was 5-on-5 from the floor in the fourth quarter. “It feels good, just being able to contribute to wins,” he said after the game, per Eric Nehm of The Athletic (Twitter link). “I’ve never been on a winning team or organization. I don’t know winning ways, so that’s what I’ve been learning here. These guys, the environment, the atmosphere, the team – it’s just been team, team, team and I’ve been soaking up the knowledge and wisdom from these guys and it’s been beautiful, honestly.”
Gary Trent Jr., viewed as a steal last summer when he signed a minimum-salary contract with the Bucks, got off to a slow start in Milwaukee and dropped out of the starting lineup just seven games into the season. However, he has bounced back impressively since then and has played some of his best basketball since the trade deadline, Nehm writes for The Athletic. Trent, who will be an unrestricted free agent again in 2025, has made 44.8% of his three-point attempts since November 13 and is averaging 14.3 points per game since the February 6 deadline.

Bucks Notes: Portis, Injuries, Playoffs, Rotation

February 20th, 2025 at 5:31pm CST by Tristan Tucker

Bucks forward Bobby Portis was suspended for 25 games on Thursday morning, an obvious blow to Milwaukee’s depth. The suspension will cost Portis $114,348 per game, or $2.85MM in total, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks (Twitter link). Additionally, the Bucks receive a tax variance credit worth about $1.43MM, which is 50% of Portis’s lost salary.

That figure doesn’t come off Portis’s cap hit or the standard team salary. However, when it comes time to calculate Milwaukee’s tax bill at the end of the season, their total taxed salary will be reduced by that amount.

Before the suspension, the Bucks had an open roster spot. It’s unclear what Milwaukee’s exact plans were with that spot, but it’s important to note that two-way player Ryan Rollins has carved out a role for himself. Milwaukee would also be able to move Portis to the suspended list and sign an additional replacement player after he has been out for five games. Theoretically, the Bucks could fill their existing open roster spot and sign a replacement player.

In 46 games this season, Portis is averaging 13.7 points and 8.3 rebounds. With his production out from the lineup for the next 25 games, the team could lean on deeper reserve bigs like Jericho Sims and/or Tyler Smith.

We have more on the Bucks:

Injury luck will play a big part in whether Milwaukee can elevate itself from merely a playoff team to a true contender, Eric Nehm of The Athletic writes. The Bucks are outside the top 10 in both offensive and defensive ratings, which are typical indicators of contention status. If stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard are able to stay healthy for the rest of the season and into the playoffs after dealing with injuries during the 2024 postseason, Milwaukee could reach its potential, Nehm writes.
The Bucks are in danger of not having home court advantage in the playoffs for the first time since 2018, when Joe Prunty was head coach. As Nehm writes in the same piece, the Bucks are a game behind the Pacers for fourth in the East, potentially setting up a rematch of last year’s first-round playoff series.
Even with Portis out, the Bucks have no shortage of depth options, leading to questions about the rotation, per Nehm. Outside of starters Antetkounmpo, Lillard, Andre Jackson Jr., Brook Lopez and Kyle Kuzma, Milwaukee has five players vying for four rotation slots. Taurean Prince, Gary Trent Jr. and A.J. Green seem certain to play regular minutes, leaving coach Doc Rivers to decide on whether Rollins or Kevin Porter Jr. will be the ninth man.

Central Notes: Giannis, Cunningham, Thompson, Green

February 19th, 2025 at 11:03pm CST by Arthur Hill

Giannis Antetokounmpo likes the additions the Bucks made at the trade deadline, but a strained left calf has prevented him from getting on the court with his new teammates, writes Steve Megargee of The Associated Press. The injury caused Antetokounmpo to miss the last six games before the All-Star break, and he’s listed as questionable for Thursday’s contest against the Clippers. He was able to practice today, but neither he or coach Doc Rivers is sure whether he’s going to play.

Even though he’s stuck on the sidelines, Antetokounmpo has been impressed by what he’s seen from Kyle Kuzma, Jericho Sims and Kevin Porter Jr., whom Milwaukee landed in two trades earlier this month.

“The team looks great right now,” Antetokounmpo said. “We’re playing very, very fast. Everybody’s competing. Defensively I think we’re going to be way, way better. We’re big. And I’m excited.”

The downside of the deadline for Antetokounmpo was parting with long-time teammate Khris Middleton. They could back be on the court together again Friday when Milwaukee travels to Washington, and Antetokounmpo has a greeting in mind.

“I’m not shaking his hand, I’m not talking to him, I’m not even looking at him, and every time I see him, I’m going to guard him full court, pick him up full court and deny him,” Antetokounmpo quipped. “You know what I’m going to do? I’m going to make a 3 in his face and go, ‘Khash!’ I’m joking.”

There’s more from the Central Division:

Cade Cunningham became the first Pistons player to be selected to the All-Star Game since Blake Griffin in 2019 and the first Detroit guard to make it since Allen Iverson in 2009, notes Hunter Patterson of The Athletic. Cunningham enjoyed making his All-Star debut, but added that he expects to return many times in his career. “It’s cool, man. This is what I planned on, though,” he said. “This is what I saw for myself. To be in this position now is a great feeling, but there’s definitely more steps to climb. I’m looking forward to the rest of the season and all the things to come.”
Pistons forward Ausar Thompson could be primed for a strong close to the season, Coty M. Davis of The Detroit News states in a mailbag column. Davis notes that Thompson had to overcome a long layoff caused by blood clots he experienced late in his rookie season. When he was cleared to play in November, he was limited to 20 minutes per game and was still dealing with fatigue. He has been used as the team’s secondary play-maker over the last eight games and is averaging 4.0 assists per night, along with 13.0 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.0 steals.
Javonte Green, who is expected to join the Cavaliers after completing a buyout with New Orleans, was one of the wings the team considered adding before the trade deadline, per Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com (Twitter link). Team officials believed Green was likely to be a buyout candidate, so they directed their trade efforts elsewhere and wound up with De’Andre Hunter.

Central Notes: Schröder, Pistons, Hunter, Porter, Bulls

February 11th, 2025 at 9:42pm CST by Dana Gauruder

Dennis Schröder is playing for his third team this season. He wound up with the Pistons as part of the five-team blockbuster that landed Jimmy Butler with Golden State. Schröder, who started the season with Brooklyn before getting dealt to the Warriors, made his Detroit debut on Sunday and will continue to be part of the rotation with Jaden Ivey on the mend from a broken fibula.

“It’s my 12th season. I think I consider myself a veteran now — 31 years old,” Schröder told Omari Sankofa II of the Detroit Free Press. “I can bring a lot to this team, making sure the young guys are doing the right things and not the wrong things and worry about the right things as well to make the team better. That’s what it’s all about and that’s the reason why I’m here 12 years, and I want to show those guys and try to lead by example every single day, but then on the court playing the right way is the reason they got me.”

Schröder will be a free agent after the season.

We have more from the Central Division:

Pistons president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon admitted that being a buyer at the trade deadline wasn’t on his radar when he was hired by the team last summer. Detroit’s surprisingly strong play convinced him to alter his plans, though he also used cap space as bait to acquire two future second-rounders. “These guys have put themselves in position where they believe they can be a playoff team, which is exciting. We know that’s important to them,” Langdon said, per Keith Langlois of Pistons.com. “To add to that was important to us, as well. We were aware of that and kept that in mind leading to the deadline.”
The Cavaliers have been seeking a big, versatile wing for years and may have finally found their man in De’Andre Hunter, who was acquired from Atlanta. Hunter scored 12 points in 23 minutes against Miami in his Cleveland debut on Monday. “I’m not coming here … trying to change anything,” Hunter told The Athletic’s Joe Vardon. “I’m just trying to add my skill set to what they already have. They had a need they felt needed to be addressed. I feel like, as someone who prides himself on defense and kind of going out there and (trying) to be a two-way player as best I can. So I think that could really help this team, especially at the small forward. But like I said, they were doing good without me.”
Bucks general manager Jon Horst acknowledges there’s risk in bringing in guard Kevin Porter Jr., who was acquired from the Clippers. Horst believes Porter – who wore out his welcome in Cleveland due to locker-room issues and faced domestic violence charges during his time in Houston – has matured and put that behavior behind him. “I think we have an opportunity to help (him) continue on the path of what he’s on, which is improving and growing. There’s no question that if he does that, we think he can help us,” Horst said, per Eric Nehm of The Athletic. “So there’s a chance for a win-win. But, it’s not unlike any other transaction. There’s risk. And it’s not a five-year commitment and a massive, major thing. I mean, this is a bet, and for him, it’s an opportunity to help us and grow and improve, and he’s been doing it. And that’s what all of our due diligence showed us. And if he does that, he could be a pretty good fit with us. I know he’s excited to be here and we’re excited to have him.” Porter holds a 2025/26 player option on the two-year, minimum salary contract he signed with Los Angeles last offseason.
The Bulls added Zach Collins, Kevin Huerter and Tre Jones at the trade deadline but there’s no mandate by the front office to play them, according to coach Billy Donovan. “(The front office hasn’t) come out and said that to me like that, but I do think that there would be organizationally, no question, you want to find out about those guys, they’re here,” Donovan said, per Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times. “Can they help our team, can they impact our team, and who are they as players? Right. There hasn’t been, ‘Hey, let’s play these guys right now.’ “

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