Bobby Portis is set to rejoin the Milwaukee Bucks with a new three-year contract worth $44 million, as reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania. This deal follows Portis’s decision to decline a $13.4 million player option for the upcoming season, making him eligible for free agency.
Portis, now 30 years old, has been a significant part of the Bucks’ journey since he joined the team before the 2020-21 season. His contributions were especially evident during their championship run in 2021. Over his five seasons with the Bucks, Portis has made 99 starts but has primarily played as the team’s sixth man, showcasing his value as a key player off the bench.
Despite facing challenges last season, Portis proved his worth. He played in 49 games and had a rough stretch due to a 25-game suspension for breaching the NBA’s anti-drug policy. His agent explained that Portis mistakenly took Tramadol, a banned substance, believing it to be Toradol, an approved pain relief medication.
Nonetheless, Portis returned to the team before the end of the season, making his mark in the playoffs. He averaged 13.9 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game, shooting 46.6% from the field and 36.5% from beyond the arc. His performance off the bench made him Milwaukee’s leading scorer and rebounder in that role, only falling short of Giannis Antetokounmpo in total rebounds.
As Portis comes back to the Bucks, the team faces an offseason filled with uncertainty. All-Star guard Damian Lillard recently suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon during the playoffs, which is expected to keep him sidelined for a significant portion, if not all, of the upcoming 2025-26 season. This injury poses serious challenges for Milwaukee’s aspirations for the next season and raises questions about Antetokounmpo’s future with the team.
Rumors have circulated concerning Antetokounmpo’s potential departure from the Bucks. However, as the team approaches free agency and following the recent NBA Draft, he remains a crucial part of Milwaukee’s lineup for now.
Overall, Portis’s return to the Bucks is an encouraging sign for fans and the team alike. His commitment underscores his dedication to the franchise and his willingness to contribute to its success, despite the challenges that lie ahead.
