The Milwaukee Bucks 2021-22 season came to an end when they lost Game Seven to the Boston Celtics. While it was not the ending that the Bucks and their fans hoped for, it was a great season. Bucks fans suffered for nearly 20 years with a team that was barely competitive. Now, a second-round playoff loss is a disappointment. While the loss stings, there is little doubt that Milwaukee will be back as a contender next season. However, what the team will look like remains a big question. Two of the most important role players on this year’s team addressed their futures on Monday.
Bobby Portis Loves Milwaukee
It is no secret that Bobby Portis took less money to re-sign with the Milwaukee Bucks after their Finals run in 2020-21. He signed a two-year $8.9 million deal with the Bucks last season. The second year of the deal is a player option.
In 2021-22, Bobby Portis had the best season of his career. He averaged 14.6 points (career-high), 9.1 rebounds (career-high), and 1.2 assists. When addressed the media on Monday, he was asked about whether or not he would be picking up his player option.
During his time with reporters, @BPortistime was asked about his player option this summer and what he thought of his last two years in Milwaukee.
Portis: "I love it here. I love being a Buck, but it definitely comes down to them making it work."
Here was Portis' full response: pic.twitter.com/Ld7imgqD4a
— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) May 16, 2022
There is no question: Bobby Portis wants to be back. However, he also deserves to be paid what he is worth. Hopefully the Bucks do not let him leave like they did PJ Tucker.
Wes Matthews Wants to Return
Wes Matthews was signed by the Milwaukee Bucks in December, along with DeMarcus Cousins. When their short-term contracts were up, Milwaukee had to choose which one to keep. Cousins was waived and Matthews remained. Matthews played in 49 games for the Bucks, starting 14 of them. He averaged 5.1 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 0.7 assists. His value, though, was mainly on defense where he is still one of the toughest defenders in the game.
Unlike Bobby Portis, Matthews is definitely a free agent this summer and does not know what his future holds. He does not plan to retire, but also does not want to wait until December to find a team.
#Bucks guard Wesley Matthews hopes he’s back – but he’s definitely not hanging them up after his 14th NBA season. He hopes he won’t have to wait until December to sign with a team.
— Jim Owczarski (@JimOwczarski) May 16, 2022
Matthews would not be a very expensive veteran to bring back. As mentioned, he is an above-average defender and can still shoot relatively well. Unfortunately, injuries to the team forced him to take on a role he just cannot fill anymore. If he were to be the Bucks seventh or eighth option, he would be a phenomenal fit.
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