As Milwaukee searches for ways to upgrade the roster around Giannis Antetokounmpo, Michael Porter Jr. has emerged as a potential target ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline. According to The Athletic’s Sam Amick, league circles view Porter as a player to monitor closely in connection with the Bucks.
Jake Fischer has also suggested the Bucks are likely to hunt for trade targets in the $35 to $38 million salary tier, a range that matches the financial constraints Milwaukee is working under. Even if it reads more as educated projection than confirmed intel, the logic tracks for a team with little outgoing salary to maneuver. Operating in that range would make a pursuit of Michael Porter Jr. a realistic path.
Only 14 players around the league fall into the $35 to $38 million salary range this season, and most of them can be ruled out immediately. Twelve are essentially untouchable, leaving just two realistic names to monitor: Michael Porter Jr. and LaMelo Ball. Ball does not line up well with what Milwaukee needs, but Porter fits the profile far more cleanly.
Michael Porter Jr.’s fit with the Bucks
Feb 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) grabs a rebound against Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. (1) in the third quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Porter’s play with the Brooklyn Nets has significantly raised his stock. The 27 year old is in the middle of the best stretch of his career, averaging 25.8 points while shooting 49.6 percent from the field and 41.0 percent from three, along with 7.5 rebounds and 3.3 assists across 26 starts. That surge creates a potential problem for Milwaukee, as Porter’s rising value could push his asking price beyond what the Bucks can realistically afford given their limited assets.
All season long, Milwaukee has felt thin at small forward. Taurean Prince is done for the year with a neck injury, Amir Coffey has failed to carve out a meaningful role, and Thanasis Antetokounmpo has not factored into the rotation as he works back from an Achilles injury. The Bucks clearly need help on the wing, and Porter fits the profile as a player who could immediately fill that void.
Feb 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reaches for the ball against Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. (1) in the first quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Milwaukee is operating with urgency as it tries to keep Antetokounmpo satisfied and avoid a scenario where he pushes his way out. How aggressive the Bucks choose to be will ultimately define their direction moving forward.