It never quite felt like the Milwaukee Bucks would let Kevin Porter Jr. walk out the door in free agency, and that is indeed the case. Per ESPN's Shams Charania, the Bucks are re-signing Porter to a contract worth $11 million over two years. Charania notes that the second year of the deal is a player option, allowing Porter to opt out and hit free agency once again.
Bucks likely have their starting point guard next season
Point guard depth was always going to be a focal point for the Milwaukee Bucks this NBA offseason. With Damian Lillard, who is set to miss an unknown amount of time next year due to his Achilles injury, out, the Bucks needed point guard depth. They now retain Porter, who showed flashes after coming over in a last-second trade deadline deal in February.
The question now is who else the Bucks may target to beef up their backcourt. Ryan Rollins feels like the obvious name, given his familiarity, but there are also a handful of external free agents lingering on the open market. Tyus Jones and Malcolm Brogdon are two names linked to the Bucks in the not to distant past, and they are still out there.
With Lillard out, Porter likely takes on the role of Milwaukee's starting point guard next season after he showed flashes in the role this past year. During his stint as a starter with the Houston Rockets a few years back, the guard averaged 17.2 points, six assists, and 1.2 steals per game. With more time on the floor, the hope is that he can get back to that type of production in Milwaukee.
For now, this is a fine deal. Kevin Porter Jr. gets a nice little raise compared to the minimum he earned last season. If he plays well next season, he can opt out and earn a bigger deal again next year. On the Milwaukee Bucks' side of things, they keep a point guard who can help as they aim to adapt to being a faster, more athletic team next season. A win-win for both sides.
The Milwaukee Bucks have made their first move of NBA Free Agency, but it certainly won't be their last. Now, all eyes turn to Gary Trent Jr., who could very well be Porter's starting partner in the Bucks' backcourt next season.
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