Indiana Pacers: 4 realistic free agents to target with the MLE

Bobby Portis brings a unique dynamic to the Indiana Pacers frontcourt

Bobby Portis has been a critical piece for the Milwaukee Bucks this season. Coming on a modest contract, the 6’10 big man managed to eke out a consistent role in Mike Budenholzer’s bench this year, normally serving as the team’s de facto sixth or seventh man on a nightly basis.

With a steady dose of minutes, Portis surely didn’t disappoint. In just 20.8 minutes per contest, the six-year player registered 11.4 points and 7.1 rebounds per game, arming Milwaukee with a mobile backup to Brook Lopez while also playing the 4 in spurts. Also, he knocked down a staggering 47.1 percent of his triples while shooting 52.3 percent on the floor, two impressive figures for a player of his stature.

With his strong play this season, he’ll surely decline his 3.7 million player option this summer. With the Bucks now loaded on the salary front, the Indiana Pacers should attempt to pry him away with a generous offering of a multi-year deal worth the MLE. He could easily be a significant piece for the team as a primary backup to both Sabonis and Myles Turner, especially with Carlisle’s penchant for bigs who can shoot and run the floor.