The Milwaukee Bucks have done everything they could to bring back all their core players from last season. The only one who has not be re-signed yet is Jordan Nwora, and he is a restricted free agent. They have signed Joe Ingles as a free agent and drafted MarJon Beauchamp. The key to the offseason, though, was locking up Bobby Portis long-term. The fan-favorite opted out of his contract the day before NBA free agency, but signed a four-year deal the very next day. On Sunday, Portis talked with Bally Sports Wisconsin about his new deal and what the city of Milwaukee means to him.
Related: Grading the Bucks’ moves on the first day of free agency
"It's a dream come true."
ICYMI: Bucks forward @BPortistime spoke with @CraigCoshun about his big payday and being embraced by the city of Milwaukee. #FearTheDeer pic.twitter.com/eGmFvA9fdG
— Bally Sports Wisconsin (@BallySportWI) July 10, 2022
Bobby Portis with the Milwaukee Bucks
2020-2021
The Milwaukee Bucks signed Bobby Portis to a two-year contract before the 2020-21 season. In his first season with the Bucks, Portis had a career year. He average 11.6 points and 7.1 rebounds while shooting 52/47/74 from the floor. Of course, Portis was instrumental in bringing a championship back to Milwaukee for the first time in 50 years. His hard-nosed style of play endeared him to fans quickly. As mentioned in the interview above, the only other player who receives chants from the crowd during a game is Giannis Antetokounmpo. Those chants repeat “MVP! MVP! MVP!” over and over. Portis, on the other hand, receivers chants of his first name.
2021-2022
Milwaukee Bucks fans had an anxiety-ridden offseason prior to the 2021-2022 season. P.J. Tucker signed with the Miami Heat after the Bucks low-balled him in negotiations. Many worried that Portis, who had opted out of his deal, would also leave Milwaukee. However, Portis signed a new two-year deal with a player option for the second season and returned to the Bucks.
It was a fortunate thing that he did. Brook Lopez missed most of the season as he recovered from back surgery. Portis started in his place and had yet another career season. Last year, he averaged career-highs in points (14.6) and rebounds (9.1) while shooting 48/39/75 from the field.
Even before Portis opted out of his contract following this past season, it was a foregone conclusion that he was going to re-sign with the Milwaukee Bucks on a bigger deal. Portis did cause a bit of a stir on Twitter, though, when he deleted his Twitter profile picture, which depicted him in a Bucks uniform. After his contract was announced, he unveiled a new picture:
To Read All the Latest Milwaukee Bucks New, Click Here!
For More Great Wisconsin Sports Content
Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19 and follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here! Also, check out our merch store for some amazing WSH merchandise!
