Potential trade candidates for Milwaukee Bucks and OKC Thunder after NBA Cup skirmish
The OKC Thunder and Milwaukee Bucks had an entertaining battle in the final of the NBA Cup last night. Behind In-Season Tournament MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks took home the trophy with a 97-81 victory. Oklahoma had an off-shooting night and sorely missed Chet Holmgren in the championship game.
As impressive as the Bucks' NBA Cup victory was, it happened in December with roughly three months remaining before the playoffs. They could make changes before the trade deadline to become even stronger contenders against the Boston Celtics.
The OKC Thunder, currently atop the Western Conference with a 20-5 record, might also look to tweak their roster. They could be eyeing adjustments to enhance their chances of winning the ultimate trophy.
The Milwaukee Bucks could move on from Bobby Portis
Bobby Portis has struggled in the 2024-25 campaign with the Milwaukee Bucks. After back-to-back seasons challenging for the Sixth Man of the Year award, Portis has fallen below that level. With a $12 million player option next season, the Bucks have a good reason to consider moving on from him.
Against the Thunder, Portis contributed five points, nine rebounds and three assists. The Bucks might be looking for a cheaper replacement who can still contribute to their championship aspirations.
One potential trade target is Orlando Magic center Goga Bitadze. Bitadze is a better defender than Portis and can also score inside. He earns $9 million this season and $15 million over the next two seasons without a player option. If the Bucks can send Portis and a second-round pick, the Magic might be interested
Robert Williams III of the Portland Trail Blazers is another option. While he may not be the offensive threat that Portis or Bitadze are, he is a superior rim protector and overall defender.
The OKC Thunder could swing for the fences by adding another star
In their NBA Cup loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, the OKC Thunder desperately needed another scorer besides Jalen Williams and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Chet Holmgren usually fills that role, but his injury has left his return uncertain.
The Thunder roster appears capable of challenging for the championship, but trading for a star could make them favorites. Bleacher Report suggested acquiring New Orleans Pelicans star Brandon Ingram in exchange for Lu Dort, Aaron Wiggins, Ousmane Dieng and a 2027 first-round pick.
Ingram will become an unrestricted free agent after this season, and the Pelicans might consider trading him to recoup some assets. Dort, known for his elite defense, and a first-round pick could be the key pieces in a potential deal. Wiggins would be a valuable role player for Willie Green's team.
The OKC Thunder could ask Alex Caruso to fill Dort’s role, with Brandon Ingram either starting or coming off the bench as a super-sub. A closing lineup featuring Ingram, Jalen Williams, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Isaiah Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren would be formidable.
If Holmgren is out for the season, head coach Mark Daigneault might turn to Cason Wallace, who has had an underrated season for the Thunder.