Milwaukee Bucks: Ranking impending free agents by priority to re-sign

Milwaukee Bucks free agent priority No. 1 – Bobby Portis

Bobby Portis holds a player option worth $3.8 million to remain with the Bucks next season, and although everyone would love to see him accept that deal, it seems unlikely.

The big man had himself a stellar season capped off by a title win, playing a key role for the Bucks throughout the postseason. Whether it was with his dynamic scoring, prolific rebounding on both ends of the floor, or fiercely energetic presence, Portis showcased his importance for this team as he played each game like it would be his very last.

Although Portis has reiterated consistently how money is not everything, he unquestionably earned himself a hefty raise for his efforts after this playoff run. If he does opt-out, it is unclear just how much he could be seeking, but it could be out of Milwaukee’s price range. Opposing teams could offer the 26-year-old much more money than the Bucks could, and with a title under his belt, no one could blame him for wanting to cash in and be rewarded for his efforts.

If he does indeed opt to test the open market, he should be the team’s top priority to bring back, although it would cost them. Portis undeniably cemented himself among Milwaukee’s most prominent fan-favorite players in franchise history for a reason and hearing the Fiserv Forum crowd vibrantly chant his name when he takes the court is something everyone would love to hear next season and beyond.

They would have to pull some financial strings, but in the inevitable event that Portis indeed opts out of his deal for next season, the front office should have a new deal in the works.