NBA: Miami Heat at Milwaukee Bucks Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis (9) reacts in the fourth quarter against the Miami Heat at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

Chicago Bulls named option in free agency for key Giannis Antetokounmpo teammate

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Jordan Sigler | Last updated May 10, 2025 10:49 AM ET

The Chicago Bulls need better options in the frontcourt for the upcoming season. Veteran center Nikola Vucevic is expected to be shopped this summer and traded by the deadline in February of 2026.

The Bulls are reportedly down on power forward Patrick Williams, whom they gave a five-year deal worth $90 million last year. Williams didn’t play well last season, and Chicago told him he’s on his own to resurrect his NBA career.

The Bulls need help with big men, and Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo has been a fun name floated as a possible trade acquisition. Landing Giannis is a long shot, but the Bulls will likely throw their hat in the ring for Giannis and players like Nikola Jokic and Zion Williamson.

Chicago Bulls named a team to watch for Bobby Portis

NBA: Miami Heat at Milwaukee Bucks Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis (9) reacts in the fourth quarter against the Miami Heat at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times thinks the Bulls have another option in the Bucks’ frontcourt. He suggested Chicago will keep an eye on power forward Bobby Portis in free agency, a former player for the Bulls.

“Former Bulls forward Bobby Portis (Bucks) has an interesting player option to keep an eye on, as does John Collins (Jazz),” Cowley wrote. “Both would add to the frontcourt, bumping Williams to a full-time bench role, which he has earned.

“The problem with the Bulls and free agency, however, is that because of the salary cap and the way their roster is constructed, they likely would have to move someone and get a player back in a sign-and-trade.”

A better alternative to Patrick Williams

NBA: Chicago Bulls at Detroit Pistons Chicago Bulls forward Patrick Williams (44) dribbles defended by Detroit Pistons forward Ronald Holland II (00) in the first half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

The Bulls selected Portis with the No. 22 pick in the 2015 draft. He played in Chicago through 2019 before stops with the Washington Wizards and New York Knicks. He played a key role in the Bucks’ NBA championship in 2021.

Portis has appeared in 654 games and started 153. Last season, he averaged 13.9 points, 2.1 assists, and 8.4 rebounds for Milwaukee. His defensive rating was 110.5.

Portis would be a considerable upgrade compared to Williams. Would he be a piece that could help bring Giannis to Chicago?

NBA: Playoffs Indiana Pacers at Milwaukee Bucks Apr 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) gets ready to play Indiana Pacers during game four of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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