KEY POINTS

  • The New York Knicks may consider a reunion with Bobby Portis
  • Portis's return depends on the status of three other players
  • Portis is unlikely to accept a fee lower than $15 million

The New York Knicks may have exited in the first round of the NBA Eastern Conference, but their progress is notable.

Under the watch of head coach Tom Thibodeau, there is nowhere to go but up for the Knicks. However, they need to get the right people involved.

Outside Julius Randle, questions are in the air on who could be alongside the 2020 Most Improved Player of the Year.

Heading into the offseason, there is Mitchell Robinson, Obi Toppin and Nerlens Noel to consider.

If the Knicks were to consider options, one name that could make sense would be ex-Knick Bobby Portis.

Currently with the Milwaukee Bucks, the 26-year-old could have remained a Knick if the team exercised the $15 million option last summer.

New York declined that option, paving the way for the former Arkansas stretch big man to join the Bucks.

Looking at his production this NBA season, Portis has performed pretty well.

In 66 games, the 6-foot-10 cager has averaged 11.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in the regular season.

Those numbers dipped a bit in the playoffs, with Portis averaging only 6.9 points and 4.6 rebounds with his playing time slashed.

He has a two-year $7.4 million contract with the Bucks but can opt-out after this NBA season.

Should he opt to test free agency, the Knicks could explore a possible reunion with Portis.

But this may hinge on what the team has planned with Robinson, Toppin and Noel.

Robinson is due to get a contract extension, while Noel’s future is unknown. On the other hand, Toppin is a work in progress, raising the possibility of a potential trade.

Hence, any potential Portis return to Gotham will depend on these factors.

Bobby Portis #9 of the Milwaukee Bucks
Bobby Portis #9 of the Milwaukee Bucks Getty Images | Steven Ryan

Worth noting as well that the Knicks were not ready to part with Portis last season.

Furthermore, general manager Scott Perry was the one who brought Portis over to New York. However, he needs to get the approval of team president Leon Rose to get it done.

It may all boil down to the numbers that would convince Portis to return.

Although he settled for a lower salary with the Bucks, it will be interesting if he accepts anything less than the original $15 million-worth contract he was due the last offseason.

RELATED STORIES
NBA