This summer will be one of the more active in terms of trades. The Golden State Warriors have a two-year window during which their main players are under contract. Hoping to improve their title chances during that period, the team is looking to upgrade in any way possible. One name that is on the Warriors’ radar is Bobby Portis Jr. from the Milwaukee Bucks.
Golden State Warriors Interested in Former Champion Forward
The Warriors might be looking to exploit the Bucks’ situation and the mess that Milwaukee is in, and get their hands on one of their most consistent players, Bobby Portis Jr. Right now, Portis has a player option for next season.
“Team executives expect 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. 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.” NBA insider Jake Fischer wrote.
With few difference makers on the market, the Warriors are hoping to get as many impactful players as possible. They are also in trade rumors for star power, including Lauri Markkanen from the Utah Jazz. Getting Portis and Markkanen in one summer would instantly vault the Warriors into the top four teams in the Western Conference.
How Much Money Can the Warriors Offer Bobby Portis?
Right now, the Warriors have $170 million in committed salary for the 2025-26 season. However, they have yet to decide what they will do with restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga, as well as their free agents Gary Payton II and Kevon Looney. The Warriors are also in some trade talks with other teams. If they exercise a trade and remain under the luxury tax, they can offer Portis the non-tax mid-level exception, which will be around $14 million. That is more than what he made last year and his player option for the 2025-26 season.
Key Dates to Watch
Bobby Portis has a player option at $13.4 million for the 2025-26 season. He can either opt out of his contract or opt in. The final date to opt out of his contract is June 29, before the start of free agency.
Right now, the smart thing for Portis is to opt out of his contract and seek a longer deal. Whether that will be with the Bucks or with another team, we will see. There are drawbacks to Portis’ game, but he provides consistent energy and a scoring presence. During the Bucks’ Finals run in 2021, Portis was one of the best players on the floor.
Portis will turn 31 years old in February 2026, and this might be the best time to get a new, longer deal. He is coming off a stellar season. He might choose to opt in and remain with the Bucks, hoping to get more playing time with Damian Lillard out with an injury and Brook Lopez possibly leaving in free agency. Next season, he can boost his stats and hope to get a better deal when more teams have money to spend. If he opts out, the Warriors will be watching and hoping to make an offer.
Featured image: © David Gonzales-Imagn Images
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