There is no denying that Ryan Rollins is on one of the best contracts in the entire NBA, and ESPN's new article is only further proof. In a recent piece detailing the best deals in the association, Rollins was firmly listed among the top three guards, with the Milwaukee Bucks star sharing the spotlight with Knicks guard Jalen Brunson and Boston's Payton Pritchard.
Bucks have Ryan Rollins on a steal of a deal
After a miniature breakout last season, Rollins was due for a raise in the summer. The Bucks handed him a three-year contract worth $12 million. That was a steal back then. Two-way role players who are willing to accept whatever role is thrown their way are not cheap. However, Rollins took it, and the deal has quickly become a flat-out bargain.
Making just $4 million this year, Rollins has been one of the NBA's Most Improved Player candidates, averaging 16.8 points, 5.5 assists, and 4.4 rebounds while shooting 40.8 percent from long distance. There are players making triple or quadruple that amount who don't even come close to that type of production across the league.
Ryan Rollins will be a crucial piece of the Bucks' future
Not only is Rollins under contract this season, but he's also making $4 million next season with no option attached. The following year, 2027-28, he does have a player option, which he will certainly decline if he keeps playing this well. Yet, the fact that the Milwaukee Bucks don't have to worry about that for another year is a massive bonus.
No matter what direction the Milwaukee Bucks go in this summer, whether that means running things back with Giannis Antetokounmpo or trading him, Rollins needs to be in the building. Young players of his caliber do not grow on trees, and they certainly do not come around on friendly deals like this one. This was an excellent long-term move by Jon Horst and Milwaukee's front office.
What makes this deal even better is that Rollins still has plenty of room to grow. He's still just 23 years old and is playing more than 15 minutes per game for the first time in his career. There is still another level for him to reach if he keeps taking strides as he has this season. With one of the best contracts in the NBA, there's no doubt that Rollins should be in Milwaukee's long-term plans.
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