For some NBA players, the opportunity to negotiate a buyout is a welcome development to make a move to sign with a contender. Such is the case with the likes of former Charlotte Hornets forward Marvin Williams and–should they seek a buyout–Detroit Pistons point guard Reggie Jackson. Other players, however, are more concerned with financial stability. New York Knicks forward Bobby Portis is certainly in the latter category.
Portis said he has no interest in orchestrating a buyout with the Knicks:
Bobby Portis isn't interested in a buyout from Knicks. Hasn't even thought of it.
"I’m 24 years old," he said. "I need to make as much as I can for my family…I’m 24. I’m not even thinking about no buyout. I’m 24. I’ll probably break the record for the first guy at 24 for that."— Mike Vorkunov (@MikeVorkunov) February 9, 2020
Portis makes sense as a buyout candidate. He signed a two-year deal worth nearly $31 million this past summer, though the Knicks have a club option for year two.
In that sense, Portis may as well be on an expiring contract if the Knicks are intent on clearing cap space. However, it is also not surprising to hear Portis speak about securing all the money he can at present.
The soon-to-be 25-year-old has bounced around the league a bit in the last two years. He spent the first three-plus years of his career with the Chicago Bulls prior to a trade that sent him to the Washington Wizards at last year's deadline.
Washington offered Portis a qualifying offer this year, but he signed with the Knicks due in part to the money. However, Portis has not played the kind of role he might have been expecting when he inked the contract.
Portis is averaging 9.4 points and 5.2 rebounds, and he is also playing under 21 minutes per game. In that sense, a buyout might have given him the chance to seek a more meaningful role with a contender.
However, Portis appears to content to finish out the season in New York.
Follow Us
Subscribe