As the NBA trade deadline approaches, trade rumors continue to swirl, and the Dallas Mavericks find themselves in the midst of speculation. NBA insider Marc Stein is reporting that the Mavericks and Milwaukee Bucks are engaged in discussions about a potential trade involving Grant Williams and Bobby Portis Jr.
According to Stein’s newsletter on Monday afternoon, the Bucks and Mavericks have entered exploratory talks regarding a swap that would send Milwaukee’s Bobby Portis Jr. to Dallas in exchange for Grant Williams.
While it’s uncertain whether these discussions will progress further, the reported interest stems from Williams’s ability to guard various players, addressing Milwaukee’s quest for defensive improvements.
The Dallas Mavericks and Milwaukee Bucks have discussed a Grant Williams-Bobby Portis swap, per @TheSteinLine
“The Bucks and Mavericks, league sources say, have held exploratory discussions on a trade that would swap Milwaukee's Bobby Portis Jr. and Dallas newcomer Grant… pic.twitter.com/iSyuTFKB5x
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 5, 2024
Grant Williams’s first season with the Mavericks has been marked by disappointment. Standing at 6-6, the forward averages 8.1 points and 3.5 rebounds, with a career-low shooting percentage of 41.0% from the field. Williams has struggled over the last 25 games, shooting just 37.7% from the field and 30.8% from beyond the arc.
In terms of financials, both Williams and Portis have similar annual salaries, approximately $13 million. However, Williams’s contract extends through the 2026-27 season, whereas Portis’s commitment concludes after the 2025-26 season. In the current season, Portis has been a more consistent performer, averaging 12.6 points and 6.9 rebounds, with shooting percentages of 50.0% overall and 38.0% from three-point range.
As the trade deadline looms, the potential deal adds an intriguing dynamic to both team’s strategies, with Dallas looking to revamp its roster and Milwaukee seeking defensive prowess in the form of Grant Williams.
