Kevin Porter Jr. is quietly putting together one of the best seasons of his career-and a big reason why is the freedom he’s been given in Milwaukee. The Bucks have handed him the keys to the offense more often than not, and he’s responded by becoming a real difference-maker with the ball in his hands. But that autonomy could be short-lived if the Bucks pull the trigger on a blockbuster move that’s reportedly on the table: trading for Ja Morant.
Let’s be clear-bringing in Morant would be a seismic shift. He’s one of the most dynamic guards in the league, but he’s also a player who thrives with the ball in his hands.
So does Porter. And then there’s Giannis Antetokounmpo, who, while technically a forward, is at his best when he’s initiating offense and getting downhill with space to work.
That’s three high-usage players who all need touches to be effective. The fit?
It’s complicated.
Look at the numbers. Porter’s averaging 4.89 dribbles per touch-eighth in the NBA among players with consistent minutes.
Morant isn’t far behind at 4.58, good for 14th. That’s a lot of ball-handling between two guys who aren’t exactly known for their off-ball movement or catch-and-shoot prowess.
Add Giannis into the mix, and you’ve got a trio that could easily end up stepping on each other’s toes more than complementing each other’s games.
There’s always the option to stagger minutes-maybe bring Porter off the bench to lead the second unit-but even then, you’re asking a lot from head coach Doc Rivers to juggle rotations and egos while maintaining offensive rhythm. And let’s not forget, Porter’s playing for a new contract this summer.
He’s thriving in a featured role right now. A reduced role could not only hurt his numbers but also his value on the open market.
From a spacing standpoint, the concerns only grow. Giannis may be shooting 40.5% from three this year, but it’s on low volume-teams still dare him to shoot.
Porter’s at 35.8%, which is solid, but not enough to warp defenses. Morant?
He’s struggling mightily from deep, hitting just 20.8%-one of the worst marks in the league this season. In today’s NBA, where floor spacing is king, putting three non-elite shooters on the floor together can clog things up fast.
That’s what makes this potential move such a gamble. The Bucks were at their best when Jrue Holiday ran the point-he didn’t need the ball all the time, defended at an elite level, and could knock down shots off the catch.
Since his departure, they’ve been chasing that same balance of creation and cohesion. Morant brings star power, no doubt, but he also brings a style that could disrupt the chemistry they’re trying to build.
If Milwaukee is looking to make a splash, they might want to consider players who can thrive without dominating the ball-guys who cut, defend, and space the floor. Because right now, Porter is flourishing in his role. Taking the ball out of his hands might not just hurt him-it could throw off the entire offensive ecosystem.
This isn’t to say a trio of Morant, Porter, and Giannis can’t work. But it would take some serious strategic maneuvering from Rivers and buy-in from all three stars. That’s a tall order, especially when the stakes are this high and the margin for error is razor thin.
We’ll keep a close eye on how this unfolds, because if the Bucks do make a move, it could redefine their season-for better or worse.