3 NBA Champions the Milwaukee Bucks should pursue in free agency
By Dalton Sell
The Milwaukee Bucks should pursue NBA Champion Bobby Portis in free agency
The last name on this list should not be too controversial. Bobby Portis has been a pivotal piece to the Milwaukee Bucks over the past two seasons, having helped the team take home their first title in 50 years less than one year ago. After taking a very team-friendly deal to stay in town last year, the big man will ponder a player option worth $4.6 million for 2022-23, which he will likely decline, and understandably so. Portis has rightfully earned himself a raise, and the Bucks should do what it takes to ultimately give it to him.
During his two years in Milwaukee thus far, Portis has played what many would consider the best basketball of his career. The 27-year-old has averaged 13.1 points, 8.1 boards, and 1.1 assists per contest across 138 regular season appearances, which goes without mentioning the intensity he has brought to the table nightly. His long-range shooting has also been vital, as the center has hit an eye-catching 41.8 percent of his triples on 3.6 attempts on average over the past two seasons, which has made him a seamless fit in Milwaukee’s offense. Finding a replacement that can shoot the ball like that at the center position would be incredibly difficult, which only amplifies just how important retaining Portis will be this coming offseason.
At this time, it appears Portis is looking to stick around in Milwaukee. According to NBA Insider Marc Stein (subscription required), some opposing teams believe that they have no legitimate shot of luring Portis away from the Bucks in free agency and that the center is expected to re-sign with the Bucks on a multi-year deal, which is relieving. Keeping Portis around is essential for the Bucks, and if he does indeed decline his upcoming player option, they must do whatever it takes to keep him with the franchise for the foreseeable future.
Next. 5 sharpshooting free agent targets for the Milwaukee Bucks this offseason. dark
Stay tuned to see if the Milwaukee Bucks make a run at any of these NBA Champions.