Knicks predicted to reunite with Sixth Man of the Year finalist via trade with Bucks | Sporting News

The new-look New York Knicks have gotten out to an interesting start through their first 14 games of the 2024-25 season, starting to settle in with an 8-6 record.

Sitting at No. 4 in the Eastern Conference, New York is starting to find a groove after a tumultuous stretch had been consistently ruining the productive efforts of their recently acquired star center, Karl-Anthony Towns. 

Towns has been on a tear to begin the season, averaging 26.2 points and 12.4 rebounds on a terrific 66.2% true shooting percentage. Though he has been producing at an MVP level, the Knicks bench support has been non-existent. 

The Knicks currently rank dead last in bench points (20.4) by a wide margin, showing that their reserve unit could use an overhaul if they plan on competing in the Eastern Conference.

To remedy this situation, New York’s front office could pick up the phone with hopes of reuniting with a former Knick from the 2019-20 season. As it turns out, he’s now become one of the best reserve forwards in the entire league for the Milwaukee Bucks.

The former No. 22 overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, Bobby Portis has ascended in recent years to become one of the premier bench options in the Association. The 6-foot-10 skilled scorer has finished in third place in Sixth Man of the Year voting for two consecutive seasons prior to 2024-25.

Portis’ 2023-24 season saw incredibly efficient averages of 13.8 points and 7.4 rebounds on 40.7% three-point shooting while appearing in all 82 games for Milwaukee.

So far in 2024-25, Portis has accumulated similar statistics. One caveat is that his 27.5% shooting from distance has been less than ideal through his first 13 games with the Bucks.

Though this may be seen as worrisome, New York could take this opportunity to buy low on Portis with hopes that he can turn his shooting woes around after being dealt from Milwaukee. 

In return for Portis, Milwaukee could likely seek some pieces of New York’s prospect room, like scoring guard Miles McBride and facilitating guard Tyler Kolek. 

Milwaukee may also inquire about another rookie guard Pacôme Dadiet, who has shown promise as a 45.5% three-point shooter in just 9.6 minutes this season.

With the addition of Portis to revive their bench production, the New York Knicks could have a great chance of winning the Eastern Conference.

More NBA: Kings make NBA Finals bid in mock trade for former NBA Defensive Player of the Year