Bobby Portis was traded from the Bulls to the Wizards last week and said over the weekend during a return to Chicago that he didn’t have “anything bad” to say about anyone with the Bulls. Speaking to Alex Kennedy of HoopsHype this week about the deal, Portis echoed that sentiment, but also aired a few grievances about how his time in Chicago ended.
According to Portis, the Bulls – and GM Gar Forman – told his agent when trade rumors involving Portis first surfaced that the fourth-year forward would only be moved in a deal that netted the team a “superstar”-type player. A day before the deadline, Portis was fully prepared to remain a Bull through Thursday, so he was shocked when he found out less than a half-hour before Wednesday’s game that the team had reached an agreement in principle to move him.
Here’s more of what Portis had to say to Kennedy about his unexpected move from Chicago to Washington:
On whether he was upset with how things played out with the Bulls:
“They told me how much they loved my energy, my heart, how hard I worked, how much I loved playing for the Bulls. Them telling me that I’m going to be there [through the deadline] and telling me that they want to work things out this summer [in restricted free agency]. We weren’t able to agree to a contract extension [before the October deadline], but they said they wanted to agree to something this summer before free agency hits.
“I think back on everything they told me. All this stuff was said and then I don’t even get notified when I’m getting traded? (pause) It’s just a crazy feeling. I guess I’m getting my first taste of the business. Business is business, I guess. I just don’t think it was done the right way.”
On whether the trade will provide motivation going forward:
“Getting traded gave me a bit of extra motivation, but what did really [motivate me] was seeing some of the comments made by the [Bulls] GM and the press. They were talking about not wanting to pay me and that kind of stuff. All that stuff really motivates me. It makes me want to be a better player. It makes me wants to go out there and prove everybody wrong. I’m always going to play with a chip on my shoulder. I play with a log on my shoulder.”
On his first impressions of the Wizards:
“They welcomed me with open arms. My teammates and coaches have all told me to be who I am, be vocal, be aggressive on the offensive end… Basically, be Bobby Portis. I think those few words really helped me as I get acclimated to my team quickly.”
Hey, Bobby, they offered you more than you are worth in an extension before the season and you turned it down. So, what did you expect, especially after your behavior essentially forced them to trade Mirotic? So tired of these players expecting more loyalty than they are willing to give.
Yeh, it was probably handled poorly, but it’s a business and they were too deep at your position, and had no one who could play Porter’s position well. Good luck in Washington or wherever you end up after free agency, I bet you won’t get more than the Bulls offered, which was too much.
Have you seen NBA contracts lately? Portis will most likely get a contract worth more than the Bulls offered…especially if he produces with the Wizards
I didn’t see anything about a firm number, but I read they were around $2 million per year apart (which added up to $8 million over 4 years).
Never a bad idea to bet on yourself, but I understand why the Bulls moved him.
I’m surprised that he seems to have shaken off the whole “punched a teammate and gave him a fractured face and a concussion” thing. I wouldn’t want him on my team.
There was a report last week that he was offered between $40-50MM (presumably for four years) and is expected to seek $16MM annually in free agency: link to twitter.com
I’m not a GarPax supporter, not even sort of. That said, I think they got this one right. They offered Portis an extension, back up money granted, but that’s what he is worth… especially to the Bulls. Markannen is the clear starter at the 4, there was zero chance that Portis was taking job from him. They needed a young, talented 3&D guy and that’s what they got in Porter. I wish Bobby the best, I love the way he plays, but this was the right move.
If this were the summer of 2016, and Portis asked for 16 mm per year, he’d get it. If he asked Steve Mills for 16 mm per year, he’d get 20 mm per year, plus a trade kicker. As it is, he’ll have to play extremely well and really look like a plug in and play starter to get an offer sheet above the 12 mm range.
Or else take shorter years…
Surprising things are in store this offseason. Portis has gotten off to a hot start at center in DC, and Indiana is not unhappy with the 4/$72 contracted to the similar Myles Turner. Portis’ agent did well to set a 4/$64 goal… Portis may just play to it, at least for the next few months and on offense.
For Chicago, Otto Porter at 2/$56 will not interfere with Markannon & Carter contracts that hopefully follow. Good trade.
Turner is better
I agree. I despise GarPax. Especially Gar, but this was the right move. I also think Portis is a bit too much on the egotistical and shlt-starter side. Same with Jabari Parker.
Portis just overvalues himself WAY too much. He’s a good player and a hard worker, but not worth the numbers he’s asking.
I think it’s ultimately best for the young guys to not be around personalities like his and Parker’s.
……….even a broken clock is right twice a day.
I have no clue where the market will be for Portis this summer.
On one hand, there are a lot of teams with money to spend. On the other, part of the reason some teams have some cash is that a few of those ugly 2016 deals are coming up.
I don’t see anyone wanting to make the 2016 mistake again, but there is always someone with money who falls in love with a guy and overpays for him. I think $16M per is high, but $13M would not shock me.
The question is, is all this league-wide capspace for war-chests, or will it just turn out to be payroll savings plans for owners?
I feel like all this Lebron/Laker-blaming going around is a precursor to teams intentionally not signing big contracts and blaming the failure on some Rich Paul conspiracy, all while pocketing the money as planned.
Anyway Portis 4/$38 or 4/$64 looks like a litmus test at this date. Even $38mil would be more than estimated not long ago.