Bobby Portis Draws the Line: No More Discounts for the Bucks
Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis has expressed a clear desire to return to the team—but only on the right terms. Speaking on the Run It Back podcast, the 29-year-old made it clear that he’s no longer interested in taking team-friendly deals, signaling a shift in priorities as he approaches a potential free agency.
“Obviously, I would love to be back in Milwaukee,” Portis said. “But I just want to be compensated fairly. I’ve taken a lot of team-friendly deals to be here.”
Portis holds a $13.4 million player option for the 2025-26 season, but his recent comments suggest he may decline it to test the open market. After several years of playing a key bench role for a contending Bucks team at a discount, he believes the time has come to seek a deal that reflects his value.
“We’re at a point now where I feel like it’s time I get compensated—fairly—to my peers,” he added.
Despite serving a 25-game suspension for violating the NBA’s anti-drug policy last season, Portis remained productive upon his return. He averaged 13.9 points and 8.4 rebounds in just 26.5 minutes per game, continuing to serve as a high-energy presence and key contributor off the bench.
Portis’ blend of toughness, scoring, and rebounding makes him an attractive option for multiple teams — including the Bucks, if they’re willing to meet his financial expectations.
