Milwaukee Bucks: Bryn Forbes earned a new contract after Heat series

The Milwaukee Bucks officially became the first team to advance in the NBA Playoffs after their first round sweep of the Miami Heat.

There were several key factors and contributors that helped pave the way for this impressive victory, but one of the biggest was Bryn Forbes. Aside from Forbes, the rest of the team shot an abysmal 37-of-129 (29 percent) from behind the arc. Although that lackluster percentage is certainly problematic, Forbes helped keep the team afloat with his outside shooting and overall production.

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The guard served as a lifeline in the second unit by averaging 15 points while shooting 21-of-40 (52.5 percent) from the floor, including 16-of-33 (48.5 percent) from long range across this four-game sweep of the Heat.

He saved the best for last in Milwaukee’s 120-103 series-clinching win against Miami in Game 4, catching the hot hand and hitting seven triples to finish with 22 points off the bench.

Interestingly enough, Forbes finished with 60 total points scored throughout four games, which was two more than Jimmy Butler, Miami’s leading man. Although Butler had himself a rough series, that is undoubtedly a testament to how well Forbes played during these four games on the offensive end. Although there is still work to be done in these playoffs, Forbes just might have earned himself a raise once the offseason rolls around in the process.

Bryn Forbes will likely be in the market for a big payday in free agency after a strong series with the Milwaukee Bucks

General manager Jon Horst has earned praise for his efforts in retooling Milwaukee’s roster this season and Forbes has proven to be one of his best additions. Signing the guard to a two-year deal worth $4.8 million, Forbes quickly turned into a bargain addition to this second unit, particularly following this phenomenal series against the Heat.

With the second year of that deal being a player option for next season worth $2.5 million, it seems concrete that the 27-year-old will opt out once the season concludes. Rightfully so as that would allow him to test the free agency waters and earn himself a well-earned raise after heightening his value across the league.

Of course, the Bucks make the most sense for the guard as a long-term destination. Having a career year shooting the basketball, that floor spacing from Forbes has been a welcoming addition to the second unit as he consistently knocked down his triples from behind the arc. Quickly developing chemistry with two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, Forbes became a natural fit in this rotation that encourages players to let it fly.

If he does indeed opt out of his player option for next season, the Bucks should do everything possible to keep him in Milwaukee for the foreseeable future.

However, Forbes and the Bucks will cross that bridge when they get there. For now, this is a team with their focus entirely fixated on winning a championship this season, and perhaps the guard could increase his value further with a strong showing throughout the rest of these playoffs.

The Bucks will rely heavier on Forbes moving forward following the devastating injury news for starting shooting guard Donte DiVincenzo. With the guard sidelined for the remainder of the postseason with a foot injury, Forbes will be forced to step up similarly to how he did in his heroic Game 4 performance this past weekend.

Forbes has become a vital piece of the rotation in these playoffs, and hopefully he can continue riding the hot hand heading into the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals.