Portis agrees to return to Bucks
Forward became fan favorite in title run
Bobby Portis didn’t drag out the drama.
Not long after NBA free agency opened on Monday evening, the 6foot-10 forward announced on social media that he would re-sign with the Milwaukee Bucks.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Portis agreed to a two-year, $9 million deal with a player option for the second year.
Portis declined the player option in his previous contract on Saturday, making him a free agent.
Portis likely could have attracted a larger offer from another team after averaging 11.4 points and 5.2 rebounds in 66 games for the Bucks during the regular season. Portis shot a career-best 47.1% on 2.4 three-pointers per game.
He became a cult hero among team’s fans as the Bucks marched to its first NBA championship in 50 years. The raucous, sellout crowds at Fiserv Forum often chanted his name after the feisty and energetic Portis made impactful plays.
“I love the Bobby chants: ‘Bobby, Bobby, Bobby,’ “Portis said after the title-clinching victory in Game 6 of the NBA Finals. “I wouldn’t trade that for the world. I’m from Little Rock, Arkansas. The population of my town isn’t that big. I want to rep it through and through. Coming from where I come from, all the interviews I do, it’s a blessing to be in this position, to inspire kids from where I’m from to one day be me.
“It’s always a long journey in this league, man. You never know what you’re getting yourself into, but my journey has brought me to Milwaukee and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I don’t know what’s going to happen in the future, but right now, I’m just worried about being called a champion and knowing where I come from. This has been a long journey to get to this point. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
Portis talked all season long about how he loved the fit with the Bucks. After a tough upbringing in Little Rock, Arkansas, Portis had bounced around the league after being 22nd pick in the 2015 NBA draft by the Chicago Bulls.
Portis quickly found an important role as a energy guy off the Bucks bench. His playing time fluctuated in the playoffs depending on matchups, but he was strong in the NBA Finals.
Tucker to Heat
The Bucks lost a key free agent when P.J. Tucker agreed to a two-year deal with the Miami Heat.
According to The Athletic, the contract is two years and $15 million. The second year is a player option.