Warriors expected to pair NBA champion Bucks forward with Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler

Caleb Gebrewold

Warriors expected to pair NBA champion Bucks forward with Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler image

NBA Entertainment

The Golden State Warriors acquired Jimmy Butler ahead of the trade deadline, pairing him with superstar Steph Curry. While they appeared to be in a position to contend, an injury to the latter derailed their season in the second round.

While the franchise reportedly has interest in acquiring a superstar this summer, it is unclear if they will be able to turn those plans into a reality. Golden State may have a more realistic target in option as Jake Fischer of "The Stein Line" revealed that they are set to pursue a forward from the Milwaukee Bucks' 2021 championship winning roster.

"Team executives expect (Bobby) Portis to have numerous potential landing spots in the midlevel market as well, although Milwaukee would like to bring back the 30-year-old forward, sources say," The Stein Line's Jake Fischer wrote Wednesday. "Golden State has always been a team to monitor for Portis, who has a notable fan in head coach Steve Kerr from their shared days during the 2023 FIBA World Cup competition with USA Basketball."


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Portis has spent the past five seasons in Milwaukee, becoming a fan favorite. He appeared in just 49 games this season, however, after testing positive for the banned substance Tramadol.

The two-time finalist for the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year award averaged 13.9 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.5 blocks in 25.4 minutes per game while shooting 46.6% from the field, 36.5% from three-point range and 83.6% from the free-throw line. Portis has a $13.4 million player option for 2025-26, however, he is expected to decline it and enter unrestricted free agency.

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Caleb Gebrewold