After a strong yet injury-riddled season, it felt like the Milwaukee Bucks would undoubtedly bring back Kevin Porter Jr. Set to ponder a player option this summer, whether he accepted or declined, a return to Milwaukee made plenty of sense. However, suddenly, with Milwaukee's offseason plans seemingly revolving around guards, Porter's future is no longer set in stone.
Bucks have interest in guards
Ryan Rollins is the only ball-handling guard that the Milwaukee Bucks currently have on the payroll, so it isn't shocking that the team would leave no stone unturned in their quest for more. However, there's been relatively no chatter about Porter's future with the franchise, while rumors persist about a desire for the team to add help externally.
Milwaukee wants a guard in this upcoming draft, where they will pick 10th overall. Darius Acuff Jr., Mikel Brown Jr., and Labaron Philon are all guards Milwaukee has worked out before the NBA Draft, while players like Keaton Wagler and Kingston Flemings are certainly on their radar as well. If they can come away with one of those players, Milwaukee will be thrilled.
In addition to targeting an unproven player, the Bucks are reportedly keeping an eye on a former All-Star guard. Per NBA insider Jake Fischer (subscription required), Herro and Milwaukee have mutual interest in a partnership, which would come if the Bucks trade Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat this summer.
Between Herro and one of the top guards in this draft, the Bucks are eyeing options, leaving Porter in an awkward spot for the time being.
Retaining Porter makes sense if price is right
The Milwaukee Bucks will likely try to keep Porter this summer, whether Giannis stays or starts a new chapter elsewhere. He had one of his most productive seasons yet last year, but the guard appeared in just 38 games due to various injuries. Dishing out big-time money to Porter after playing in fewer than half of last season's games could be worrisome.
Ideally, Porter would embrace accepting that he needs to prove he can do what he did last season—or exceed it—and accept his $5.4 million player option. That way, he stays on the payroll on a team-friendly deal and sets himself up for a lucrative payday next summer. Yet, no one could fault him if he decides to opt out and seek more.
Right now, there is no telling what will happen with Kevin Porter Jr. Of course, the big domino is figuring out what will come of the Giannis Antetokounmpo saga, but with a rumored interest in beefing up the backcourt, Porter could end up being the odd man out this summer or he could work his way into the team's long-term plans.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.
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