Bobby Portis Responds to Rumors Tying Him to the Warriors

Bobby Portis wants to know how the rumors to him going to the Golden State Warriors became public.

The Bucks forward, who is about to become a free agent July 1 after declining his player option, has been surprised to hear his name so prominently linked to the Warriors in free agency.

Portis has played for the Milwaukee Bucks the past five seasons and has also suited up for the Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks and Washington Wizards over his 10-season NBA career.

At 6-10, Portis is versatile, has won a championship (2021 with the Bucks) and can score and rebound. He has started and come off the bench — Portis was a Sixth Man of the Year finalist in both 2023 and 2024 — and was fourth in points (13.9), second in rebounds (8.4) and sixth in assists (2.1) per game for the Bucks in 2024-25.

What Did Bobby Portis Say About Golden State Warriors Rumors?

It’s not that Portis is against signing with the Warriors. It’s more that he doesn’t know how he became linked to them in the first place.

“My first thought when it comes to these reports is: how do these people know so much?” Portis said on the “Run it Back” show on FanDuel TV. “How do these people [insiders] know these things so fast? Who is behind the scenes calling and checking in and all this?”

The host Michelle Beadle cited Portis’ familiarity with Warriors coach Steve Kerr while playing for the United States at the FIBA World Cup — even though the U.S. finished fourth at the tournament.

The Dubs also could use a player of Portis’ stature, especially with mainstay Kevon Looney expected to depart via free agency. Reserve center Quinten Post is the only player on the Golden State roster that is taller than Portis.

When pressed specifically about Golden State, Portis deflected and stated why he wouldn’t want to be an insider.

“All these guys that report these things, I don’t know if I would want that job,” Portis said. “I wouldn’t want to stay up all night, stand by my phone, gotta check in with guys at 3 in the morning. That’s a tough one to have.”

What Did B0bby Portis Say About Becoming A Free Agent?

Portis has been proud of his attitude and role as a team-first player. But at his age and stature, he wants to make sure to cash in as a free agent this off-season.

“I’ve always been a team-first guy; always spoke on being for the team and putting the team first and worried about winning,” Portis said. “Now I’m at a point where I’m 30 years old, and I want to be compensated fairly to my peers. I feel like I’m a great get and a great player to the team, and I feel like I’m one of the guys you can’t lose for the culture.”

Portis and his reps have been in talks with the Bucks about him potentially coming back at a higher price point. But Milwaukee also has some hard decisions to make with face-of-the-franchise Giannis Antetokounmpo, especially since tandem guard Damien Lillard is likely to miss all of next season with a torn Achilles tendon.

But no matter where he ends up — whether it’s Milwaukee, Golden State or somewhere else — it’s safe to say Portis will appreciate his time spent.

“The years just fly by fast,” Portis said. “I cherish these moments. I cherish playing in the [NBA], and I definitely want to maximize my contract.”