With the NBA trade deadline fast approaching, the San Antonio Spurs find themselves in a fascinating position. They’ve got the third-best record in the league, a roster built around young, ascending talent, and a front office that has to decide: push chips in for a deeper playoff run now, or stay the course and let the youth movement play out?
That’s the balancing act in San Antonio. But if the Spurs decide to make a move, one potential target stands out: Bobby Portis Jr., the versatile big man currently with the Milwaukee Bucks.
Now, with rumors swirling around a possible Giannis Antetokounmpo trade-yes, you read that right-it’s not out of the question that the Bucks could start listening on veterans like Portis Jr. And if that happens, the Spurs should absolutely be in the mix.
Why Portis Jr. Makes Sense for San Antonio
Portis Jr. is having a strong season, and his fit in San Antonio is easy to see. He’s knocking down a wild 46.5% of his three-pointers, giving him the kind of floor-spacing ability that’s golden in today’s NBA. He can also score inside, rebound, and bring a physical edge the Spurs could use, especially in the postseason.
He’s the kind of big who doesn’t need the ball to make an impact but can still give you double-digit scoring on efficient shooting. And perhaps most importantly for a team trying to build something sustainable, he won’t break the bank. His contract is manageable this season and next, with a player option for 2027-28.
From a roster construction standpoint, Portis Jr. could slide right into the rotation and immediately help. He’d give San Antonio another reliable frontcourt option alongside Victor Wembanyama and Luke Kornet, and he could ease the burden on Harrison Barnes, who’s seen his minutes and effectiveness dip this season.
What Would It Take?
The good news for San Antonio: the salaries match up pretty cleanly. Portis Jr.’s deal is similar to Kelly Olynyk’s, making the financial side of a potential deal relatively straightforward.
But Milwaukee isn’t just going to give him away. A first-round pick would almost certainly be required, and a lottery-protected 2029 first-rounder could be the kind of long-term asset that gets a deal done.
There are multiple trade paths to explore. One option: swap Olynyk and a pick for Portis Jr. Another scenario could see the Spurs include Jeremy Sochan and Jordan McLaughlin in the deal, or even package Olynyk, Sochan, and that 2029 pick to bring back both Portis Jr. and Gary Trent Jr.-another player who could help San Antonio’s perimeter scoring.
The bottom line: if the Spurs want Portis Jr., they’ve got the assets to make it happen. It just depends on how aggressive they want to be.
A Veteran Presence with Playoff Experience
Portis Jr. isn’t just a shooter-he’s a proven playoff performer. He’s been through the battles, he’s come off the bench, he’s started, and he’s delivered in big moments. That kind of experience matters for a young team with postseason aspirations.
If he lands in San Antonio, he could immediately take on a 25-30 minute role, giving the Spurs a reliable option at the four who can stretch the floor and hold his own physically. He’d also give them some insurance in case Barnes continues to struggle.
And let’s be honest-Barnes hasn’t looked like himself lately. His shooting has been inconsistent, and his impact has waned, especially in high-leverage moments.
Remember the NBA Cup Playoffs? The Spurs can’t afford a repeat of that when the real playoffs roll around.
The Fit with Wembanyama and the Backcourt
Defensively, Portis Jr. isn’t what he once was. But next to a generational defender like Wembanyama or a solid positional big like Kornet, that’s less of a concern. What he brings on offense-spacing, toughness, and the ability to stretch defenses-could be exactly what this team needs.
That spacing would open up the floor for De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, and Dylan Harper to attack downhill. It would also give Devin Vassell, now healthy again, more room to operate on the wing. San Antonio’s offense has looked stagnant at times since Vassell went down in late December, and while his return helps, adding another stretch four could take things to another level.
Final Thoughts
The Spurs are at a crossroads. They’ve built something exciting, and they’ve done it the right way-through the draft, with patience, and by developing talent. But windows don’t stay open forever, even for the most promising young cores.
If Giannis is on the move, and the Bucks are ready to reshuffle their roster, Bobby Portis Jr. becomes a name to watch. For the Spurs, he might not just be a luxury piece-he could be the kind of addition that helps turn a strong regular season into something more.
Time’s ticking. The deadline’s almost here. And if San Antonio wants to make a move, Portis Jr. might be the perfect fit at just the right time.