NBA Trade Rumors: Bucks, Mavs Discussing Bobby Portis, Grant Williams Swap

The Milwaukee Bucks and Dallas Mavericks have held "exploratory discussions" regarding a trade that would swap Bobby Portis and Grant Williams, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.

However, Stein noted that the Bucks have not been willing to swap Portis for Williams without additional players or draft picks involved in a deal.

Both teams have struggled as of late, with Milwaukee losing four of its past six games. As for the Mavericks, they've dropped seven of their previous 10 contests.

Dallas acquired Williams in a three-team trade that involved the Boston Celtics and San Antonio Spurs in July 2023, hoping that his ability to switch freely on defense while operating as a low-usage floor-spacing offensive option would fit seamlessly alongside stars Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving.

That hasn't been the case, however.

Despite averaging a career-high 26.5 minutes per game, Williams is still averaging just 8.1 points while shooting 41.0 percent from the field and 37.3 percent from behind the arc. He's struggled on both ends of the floor, as his minus-5.1 net rating is the worst mark among Mavericks players averaging at least 20 minutes per game this season (via NBA.com).

Milwaukee is likely hoping that he's able to recapture his defensive acumen with a change of scenery, as the Bucks have struggled to guard opponents throughout the year. Although they own the sixth-best record in the Association at 33-17, the offseason addition of Damian Lillard and the removal of Jrue Holiday has partially contributed to a weaker defense.

The Bucks' 116.4 defensive rating ranks No. 19 among NBA teams, and the midseason firing of head coach Adrian Griffin hasn't changed matters, per NBA.com. In four games under Doc Rivers, Milwaukee still owns a mere 116.8 defensive rating.

While Portis has remained effective off the bench, averaging 12.6 points on 50.0 percent shooting, the Bucks' front office could prioritize defense at the deadline to pursue another championship.