The Milwaukee Bucks are currently the fourth-best team in the Eastern Conference but they hope to climb higher in the standings before the NBA trade deadline next month.
That means they might need to part ways with veteran stars who have been a major part of their lineup for years.
According to Brian Windhorst, via Evan Sidery, the Bucks are shopping both Khris Middleton and Bobby Portis ahead of the deadline.
Windhorst said the Bucks want to “maximize every bit” of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s title chances and they are willing to do whatever it takes to bring him and the team more success.
The Bucks are shopping Khris Middleton and Bobby Portis ahead of the trade deadline, per @WindhorstESPN (https://t.co/NxLKCw737V).
Milwaukee is aiming to significantly retool their roster for a title run this season. pic.twitter.com/gEdmpbU3xz
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) January 24, 2025
Middleton is averaging 12.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists this season, shooting 48 percent from the field.
As for Portis, he is putting up 13.4 points and 7.9 rebounds on a 46.6 field goal percentage.
Middleton has been trying to work through injuries once again but he would still be a valuable trade asset.
The Bucks could receive a big return for these two players, especially if they are packaged together.
The front office believes in the team they have, particularly with Antetokounmpo leading the charge, but they feel he needs a stronger supporting cast around him.
If the Bucks don’t have a successful postseason this year, there will be more rumors of him wanting to leave the team.
They have rebounded from a rough start to the year, but they still have a way to go before they look like a squad that could take down the Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, or New York Knicks.
Do they want an A-list All-Star on the roster or smaller role players with lesser salaries?
Sending away Middleton and Portis could help them achieve their goals, whatever they may be.
NEXT: Former Player Questions Bucks’ Trade Deadline Strategy
