The “People’s Champ,” Bobby Portis, is back with the Milwaukee Bucks on a two-year contract, worth $9 million total, as first reported by The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
It is incredibly welcoming news to see the big man returning after there was much skepticism amongst the fanbase that Portis would leave for more money elsewhere. And for all intents and purposes, he absolutely could have sought out a much more desirable deal!
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Portis signed a two-year contract worth $8 million in the previous offseason, which was also seen as a massive bargain. That deal included a player option in the second year, which he obviously declined after outplaying it without question.
It was the Bucks’ first signing of the free agency period and arguably their most critical. The 26-year-old became a quick fan favorite off the bench because of his high-energy play style.
After bouncing around the league for the first few years of his career, Portis seems to have found a home in Milwaukee. He spoke glowingly about the city and organization in recent media appearances and that undoubtedly played a role in his re-signing with the team.
The value of Bobby Portis’ new contract for the Milwaukee Bucks
The minutiae of Portis’ contract is actually very important for the Bucks’ flexibility for the rest of the offseason, aside from just taking a below-market salary (once again).
On the surface, Portis signing for $4.5 million per year is incredible value for the Bucks. Below that, though, is that Portis signed for his Non-Bird rights, which is a 120 percent raise from his previous year’s salary. What this means for Milwaukee is that they still have their full taxpayer mid-level exception left to utilize on the free agent market, which is up to $5.9 million dollars.
Portis could have very easily either left the Bucks in free agency for a bigger deal or demanded the $5.9 million that the Bucks had available be used towards re-signing him. Instead, he chose to sign for his 120 percent raise, which allows the Bucks more flexibility to sign other free agents that could help in their quest to repeat. Had Portis decided to take the full taxpayer mid-level, the Bucks would have been left to only be able to offer free agents veteran minimum contracts.
Portis absolutely did the Bucks a favor in signing the deal he did. Additionally, Portis reportedly has a player option in the second year of the contract (same as his first contract with the Bucks). Without trying to look ahead too far, I would assume Portis declines his player option next season and signs a much larger extension with the team next year.
What does Bobby Portis’ fit with the Milwaukee Bucks look like next year?
Portis could absolutely see his role expand next season.
First of all, Portis’ defense progressively got better as the season went on. With head coach Mike Budenholzer always so focused on the defensive side of the ball and this season being among the few where Portis wasn’t playing on a losing team, he didn’t let his defense slip. Second of all, with P.J. Tucker now departing to the Miami Heat in free agency, Portis will be relied upon more — barring any other potential signings yet to come in free agency.
Portis had arguably the best year of his career this past season by averaging 11.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, and shooting a career-best 47.1 percent from three on 2.4 attempts per game. His biggest leap came in his 3-point shooting, where his previous career high was 39.3 percent on 3.8 attempts per game. Despite some of his early defensive struggles, Portis was a valuable floor spacer and one of the most consistent shooters in the regular season and playoffs.
As of right now, Portis is the lone reliable backup for Brook Lopez, but he proved he could more than hold his own in that role last season. If he can continue to progress defensively, Portis can take over more responsibility as a switchable big that won’t be played off the floor in the playoffs (such as in the Brooklyn Nets series).
All of his on-court ability pales in comparison to what he brings with his energy and how much the Fiserv Forum crowd feeds off of it. The “BOBBY! BOBBY! BOBBY!” chants in the playoffs became iconic and were something that Portis very much appreciated.
What is the grade for the Milwaukee Bucks after re-signing Bobby Portis?
Re-signing Portis is a pretty obvious win for the Bucks here.
They didn’t let the big man hit the open market, signed him to a below-market contract, and maintained their flexibility for the remainder of free agency. Of course, it remains to be seen what the Bucks do with this added cap space, but as a whole, retaining a 26-year-old who was a darkhorse Sixth Man of the Year candidate for $4.5 million dollars is a big victory in itself.
After all the signs pointed to Portis seeking a raise and earning more well-deserved money on his next contract elsewhere, he took a cheaper deal in the prior free agency period. Being able to convince him to take less once again to stay in a place that made him feel welcome and allowed him to be the best version of himself is a big coup for general manager Jon Horst and Co.
Portis is beloved in the locker room by his teammates and on the court by fans. It’s obvious that bringing him back is a massive win, but being able to get him to take slightly less to maintain flexibility makes it an even better signing.
BTBP Final Grade: A
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