The Milwaukee Bucks' offseason will be defined not just by who they add but by who they let leave. Bobby Portis, Wes Matthews and Pat Connaughton all played key roles for Milwaukee but will now be hitting free agency. Replacing them may be tough since the team's salary cap books are stuffed.
At least one of those key role players is expected back in Milwaukee. According to NBA reporter Marc Stein, there is a lot of momentum toward Portis re-signing with the Bucks on a multi-year deal.
Milwaukee's Bobby Portis can become a free agent this offseason if he bypasses a $4.6 million player option for 2022-23, but there is already tangible resignation from some interested teams that they won't have any shot at luring Portis away from the Bucks. The expectation already in circulation is that Portis will re-sign with Milwaukee on a multi-year deal even if he does opt for free agency.
It's safe to say that Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, Jrue Holiday and the Bucks are happy to hear this. Portis was a key player for Milwaukee's championship team and set several career highs last year by averaging 14.6 points, 9.1 rebounds and 1.8 made triples per game.
Having Portis fortifies Milwaukee's frontcourt presence alongside Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez. Matthews and Connaughton (who could avoid free agency by accepting his $5.7 million player option) are needed on the wings. When free agency begins, the Bucks will have a ton of options as they look to upgrade their roster. getting Portis back for the long run will be a huge first step.
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