5 offseason needs for the Milwaukee Bucks following 2022 NBA Draft
By Dalton Sell
No. 5 – The Milwaukee Bucks need to re-sign impending free agents Bobby Portis and Wesley Matthews
With Pat Connaughton recently exercising his option to return to the Milwaukee Bucks for the 2022-23 NBA season, all of the focus has turned to Bobby Portis and Wesley Matthews. The duo is set to be eligible for free agency this offseason, and it is far from controversial to say that the Bucks should look to bring them back for next season, given how crucial they were to the team’s success last season.
Whether it has been as a starter or a bench player, Portis has been a pivotal piece for the Bucks over the past two seasons. After taking a team-friendly deal last offseason, Portis put together the best season of his career in 2021-22 as a full-time starter in Brook Lopez’s lengthy absence. Now, he has a player option for next season, but unlike Connaughton, all signs point to the center opting out to seek a raise, which is certainly understandable. NBA insider Marc Stein (subscription required) reported that the Bucks appear destined to retain Portis this offseason on a new deal spanning over the next several years, so that is a great sign. However, Bucks fans will not be at ease until the pen is put to paper. Given how crucial Portis has been to this team, they absolutely cannot afford to let him walk, so bringing him back should be their top priority at the moment.
As for Matthews, he may not be as important of a piece as Portis, but bringing him back should still be on Milwaukee’s to-do list. The veteran proved to be a vital piece for the Bucks after being brought aboard in December, eventually becoming a full-time starter in the playoffs. Matthews has said that he wants to return to Milwaukee to continue his playing career, and the front office should feel the same. While he is not the player he once was, Matthews could still be a quality piece in Mike Budenholzer’s rotation to give the team more 3-point shooting and added defense. Not to mention that he could be a great mentor for the newly acquired MarJon Beauchamp, who he will share the wing with. Matthews will certainly not command a lot in free agency, which is just the cherry on top here for Milwaukee.
3 compelling Milwaukee Bucks’ trade targets with ties to Jrue Holiday. dark. Next
Stay tuned to see whether or not the Milwaukee Bucks address any of these five areas this offseason.