Bucks might not savor strong finish from breakout big man for long

Jericho Sims gave the Milwaukee Bucks a lot more than they counted on. Projected to be a backend rotation piece, Sims emerged as a preferred option in the frontcourt, outdoing Myles Turner and Bobby Portis for minutes. It's entirely fair to say that he enjoyed a breakout second half of the season.

Unfortunately for the Bucks, Sims played so well that he will almost surely decline his $2.8 million player option and test the open market this summer. Someone will pay him. With other priorities to tend to and a Giannis Antetokounmpo-sized sea of uncertainty, Milwaukee likely won't be the ones to do so. 

Sims had underappreciated career year for the Bucks 

Never more than a fringe backup in prior seasons, Sims appeared in 67 games and made 19 starts for the Bucks. His role increased in the second half after he returned to the rotation in early February. From that point on, he became a fixture in the lineup. 

Sims ended the year on an even higher note, seizing the opportunity as the Bucks accelerated a much-delayed tank. In his last seven games, he contributed 10 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per contest, a span that included a 20-rebound performance and a triple-double. 

An incredibly efficient lob threat and put-back machine, Sims shot 78.4 percent from the field on the year. His overall numbers - five points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game - hardly capture his ascendant trajectory. 

His offensive-rebounding ability alone will attract interest from other teams in free agency. Sims grabbed 2.2 boards on the offensive glass in just under 20 minutes per night. That might not be at the level of a Steven Adams or Mitchell Robinson, but he is more than capable. Come summer, his phone will be ringing. 

Retaining Sims will be much harder this offseason

Sims joined the Bucks at the 2025 trade deadline, played well, and came back on a two-year minimum contract. Let's just assume he declines his 2026-27 player option. This time around, his market may put Milwaukee at a disadvantage. 

The front office has other priorities, like re-signing forward Ousmane Dieng as a restricted free agent. His breakout was the most exciting thing about the Bucks' post-trade-deadline stretch of the season. 

Even more importantly, they have to reach a resolution with Giannis. Will he stay or go? The answer will dictate the rest of their strategy. 

In the meantime, initial drama and uncertainty could postpone other signings. Competitors could take advantage by scooping Sims off the market before the Bucks even have their wits about them. 

And that's the thing. If they want Sims, now they'll have to outbid a pool of suitors - something they hadn't counted on. That's not necessarily a dealbreaker, but the Bucks won't be the ones to hand him peak market value. 

Sims would more useful to a contender

Whereas Sims could be a key piece on a contender, Milwaukee may be staring down a rebuild. While he could still have a place, they aren't going to pay top dollar. They simply have less to gain. 

There is also the problem of Myles Turner. If the Bucks can find a trade partner and offload him, the center position will suddenly be wide open. To a lesser extent, moving on from Bobby Portis could also create a need that would justify retaining Sims at a higher price point. 

Right now, there are too many unknowns to count on having him back. The most likely outcome? A contender like the Lakers, Thunder, or Nuggets, all bottom five in offensive rebounding, lures him away with a handsome pay raise and the promise of meaningful basketball. 

As much as they would like to, the Bucks may be unable to offer either. 

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow