*due to 2nd apron restrictions for Milwaukee, these would have to be 2 seperate trades, not a 3-team trade

the Bucks clearly need to do something after their 2-8 start. it’s pretty obvious that perimeter defense is an issue, and Nesmith could be a great solution as he’s a prototypical 3 and D guy. once Middleton is healthy, he and Nesmith can start at the 2 and 3, with Nesmith guarding the best perimeter player each night. obviously losing Portis would mean a hole opens up at the backup center spot, which is where they can try and get Duop Reath from Portland. he’s currently their 4th string center so i’m sure Portland would trade him for cheap. i like Reath specifically for Milwaukee since they need their centers to shoot 3s to space the floor for Giannis. the Pacers part of this is interesting. Nesmith should have more value than Portis given that 2 way wing players are more of a premium, but after injuries to both their backup centers they need to fill that hole. not only that, but Bennedict Mathurin’s emergence and the willingness coach Carisle has shown to give Jarace Walker SF minutes makes Nesmith somewhat expendable. not only would Portis will the backup center role nicely, he can play PF next to Turner in certain lineups. and to further compensate Indiana, they get a fully unprotected 2031 2nd round pick, which has a good chance of being in the high to mid 30’s.