League insiders believe the Milwaukee Bucks could package forward Bobby Portis in any blockbuster trade that would send Giannis Antetokounmpo elsewhere, while the Chicago Bulls are reportedly weighing an upward move from pick No. 15 and the Detroit Pistons continue to evaluate options at No. 21.
Bucks
Tim Reynolds of The Associated Press reports that several front-office executives expect Portis to accompany Antetokounmpo in a potential major deal. Portis, a key reserve on Milwaukee’s 2021 championship team, is owed $14.5 million for the upcoming season and holds a $15.6 million player option for 2027-28, making him a logical salary-matching piece.
Bulls
According to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times, momentum is building for Chicago to move up from the 15th overall spot in this month’s draft. While the size of the climb is unclear, Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints notes that rival evaluators believe the Bulls are interested in Illinois guard Keaton Wagler, widely projected as a top-10 selection. Landing Wagler would likely require a significant trade package.
Pistons
The Detroit Pistons, set to pick 21st, have compiled a list of targets highlighted by Stanford guard Ebuka Okorie, per Hunter Patterson of The Athletic. Other prospects under consideration include Duke wing Isaiah Evans, Iowa guard Bennett Stirtz, Santa Clara guard Allen Graves and Arkansas guard Meleek Thomas. Detroit aims to add depth around its young core after a step forward last season.
Source: Hoops Wire
