4 Eastern Conference free agents Raptors must watch in playoffs

1. Bobby Portis, Milwaukee Bucks

Could Portis leave Milwaukee? It’s not as crazy as you think. Portis has a player option that will pay him just under $5 million next season. He will almost certainly opt out of that in pursuit of a bigger deal, which could allow Toronto to pounce.

Portis is having the best season of his career this year, averaging 14.7 points and 9.1 rebounds per game for a Bucks team that spent most of the season without Brook Lopez. Milwaukee will try to keep him, but with around $115 million tied up in Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jrue Holiday, and Khris Middleton, that could be difficult.

Bobby Portis could be the Toronto Raptors’ Sixth Man.

No one will ever confuse Portis for an All-Defensive team center, but his offensive development in Milwaukee has been a treat to watch. A nearly elite 3-point shooter, Portis will fit in nicely on a Raptors team that already has the wonderful Precious Achiuwa as a backup big.

With the futures of Boucher and Young uncertain, Portis would be a perfect replacement given his rebounding skill and superior offensive game. Toronto would go as close as possible to the luxury tax if they sign him, but it could be worth it if Portis’ production in Milwaukee makes the trip up north.