On June 12, Beijing time, according to NBA reporter Jake Fischer, the Warriors are one of the favorites to potentially acquire Bucks forward Bobby Portis this offseason. The Warriors have been keeping an eye on Portis because head coach Steve Kerr has admired his game since the 2023 FIBA World Cup in the Philippines.
"The Warriors have always been a team that has been following Portis, and Kerr is a big fan of Portis when he played for Team USA alongside Portis during the 2023 FIBA World Cup," Fischer reported. ”
He added: "Team executives expect Portis to have a number of potential acquisitions in the mid-tier contract market as well, although the Bucks are hoping to bring back the 30-year-old forward. ”
Portis has been a consistent contributor to the Bucks this season, averaging 13.9 points, 8.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. However, he played in just 49 games and was suspended for 25 games for violating the league's anti-drug policy. It was previously reported that Portis is leaning towards staying with the Bucks, though no formal decision has been made yet.
Portis has a $13.4 million player option next season, but even if he chooses to exercise that option, it won't affect the Warriors' likelihood of pursuing him. If Portis exercises the player option, the Warriors could trade Moody to match the salary. However, Portis is also entirely likely to decline to exercise the option, at which point the Warriors could use a mid-level exception to sign him outright.
The Warriors' interior is the direction they need to strengthen, and this season's regular season, the Warriors ranked 19th in the league in defensive rebounds and 17th in blocks.