Central Division Notes: Portis Trade Buzz, Bulls Draft Maneuvers, Quinn Update, Niang Progress, Pistons’ No. 21 Options
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Milwaukee: League insiders increasingly expect that any offseason trade involving Giannis Antetokounmpo would also send Bobby Portis out of town, according to Tim Reynolds of The Associated Press. Portis, 31, has averaged 13.8 points and 7.3 rebounds in 24.6 minutes per game since the start of the 2023-24 campaign. The veteran forward/center is owed $14.5 million in 2026-27 and holds a $15.6 million player option for 2027-28.
Chicago: While the Bulls appear set to keep the No. 4 pick, momentum is building for a move up from No. 15, reports Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times. Cowley notes the front office could use second-round assets to climb a spot or two, but Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints hears rival executives believe Chicago is eyeing Illinois guard Keaton Wagler, projected to go in the 5-9 range, which would require a more aggressive deal.
Cowley adds that the Bulls aim to finalize their coaching search well before the June 23 draft, possibly within the next week. Siegel, who previously linked Heat assistant Chris Quinn to the vacancy, now hears Quinn is likely to remain on Erik Spoelstra’s staff in Miami.
Cleveland: Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson traveled to Italy to scout 2025 draft-and-stash pick Saliou Niang during the Lega Basket Serie A playoffs. Atkinson praised the 22-year-old Virtus Bologna guard’s energy, leadership and determination, telling Tuttosport he expects Niang to be “part of our franchise’s future.”
Detroit: Hunter Patterson of The Athletic names five prospects the Pistons should consider at No. 21 if available: Stanford guard Ebuka Okorie, Duke wing Isaiah Evans, Iowa forward Bennett Stirtz, Santa Clara guard Allen Graves and Arkansas guard Meleek Thomas.
Source: Hoops Rumors
