After a mildly successful stint with the Milwaukee Bucks to close this past season, many thought that Kevin Porter Jr. would accept his player option to stick around on a team-friendly deal. Yet, it appears the guard is seeking a payday for his efforts, as NBA insider Jake Fischer reports that he is expected to decline that option to test the free agent market. This complicates things for Milwaukee.
Bucks have more questions at the point guard spot now
Many felt like Porter opting into his $2.5 million salary for 2025-26 was a likely scenario. He played solid basketball in Milwaukee, but he was far from perfect. Opting in would have guaranteed him a spot with the Milwaukee Bucks, allowing him to continue his development and build chemistry with the key cogs of the roster. Now, that reality is up in the air as rumors swirl.
To be clear, the Bucks can still keep Porter. He may just want a raise compared to what he was set to take home next season. Milwaukee has the resources to keep him, and they should at least make him an offer. However, the asking price will be a big question mark. How much might he ask for? Anything above $5 million annually could put the Milwaukee Bucks in a bind.
Porter could very well be a solid player in Milwaukee, especially with an increased role as the Bucks navigate Damian Lillard's absence, but he's not worth a significant raise. He likely won't get a sizeable one from the Bucks, who should dedicate most of their upcoming exception to Gary Trent Jr., who is deserving of a raise. That could lead to him signing elsewhere in free agency if the money is right.
If Porter departs, the Milwaukee Bucks should be all in on Ryan Rollins, who will also be a free agent. Despite a shoulder injury, Rollins powered through last season and put together the best year of his young NBA career. He has the two-way potential to be a nice player for a long time, especially as the Bucks navigate the point guard hole on their roster right now.
Between Lillard, Porter, and Rollins, the Milwaukee Bucks have plenty of headlines at point guard as they brace for the summer. Revamping the point guard spot could quickly become a storyline that dominates Milwaukee's upcoming offseason.
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