Kevin Porter Jr. accepting his player option was one of the most eye-opening moves involving the Milwaukee Bucks this offseason. Though he spent a good chunk of the year injured, Porter dazzled with the Bucks when healthy, and it felt like he could have gotten a raise elsewhere. Yet, as he said at media day, he wanted to stay in Milwaukee—even as an uncertain future lingers.
"I'm not for moving and things like that. Milwaukee has always been a great organization when it comes to me in my career. Always being a good organization that praises players. When I came here, it wasn't to be here one or two or three [years], you know. I want to try to build with Milwaukee. So I am glad I accepted my option."
Something will have to give in Bucks' backcourt
With Tyler Herro, Ryan Rollins, and Kevin Porter Jr. all eligible to hit free agency next summer, this year will be an open audition for all three, both for the Milwaukee Bucks and other teams. Though possible, the odds of the Bucks bringing back all three feel slim, given that all will likely request sizeable raises. Despite this, Porter made it clear that Milwaukee is where he would like to plant his roots.
Could the guard stick around with the Bucks long term? Absolutely, especially if one or both of Rollins and Herro do head elsewhere a year from now. While the Milwaukee Bucks need to make room for the future of the backcourt in Brayden Burries at some point, it wouldn't hurt to have a quality mentor like Porter helping steer him in the right direction as the youngster aims to find his footing.
On the other side of the coin, there is also a world where Porter is one of the first players out the door. If the Milwaukee Bucks look to move off some of their older players by the trade deadline, teams may call about Porter, who is on a team-friendly deal and can produce at a high level. If re-signing Herro or Rollins is more of a priority, the Bucks might look to get something for Porter rather than let him walk.
How Porter can cement his future in Milwaukee
It's way easier said than done, but Porter reaching greater heights and cementing his future with the team starts with him simply staying healthy. When he played last season, he was sensational, putting up some of the best numbers of his career; the problem was that he wasn't on the floor often due to various injuries. Fully healthy, he will look to bounce back emphatically.
After spending the last couple of seasons on team-friendly deals, Porter is undoubtedly looking to get his money. If he can get it from Milwaukee, it appears that would be two big wins in his eyes. For now, all the guard can do is put his best foot forward and take it one day at a time. If he does that, the results he wants might come in due time.
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