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Bucks Star to Decline Option, Will Become Unrestricted Free Agent

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Alex Kirschenbaum | Last updated Jun 12, 2025 3:59 PM ET

The Milwaukee Bucks currently find themselves stuck in a bit of an undesirable purgatory this summer.

When nine-time All-Star point guard Damian Lillard tore his Achilles tendon in Game 4 of the Bucks' eventual five-game first round playoff series defeat to the NBA Finals-bound Indiana Pacers, the Hall of Famer's health instantly cast a pall over Milwaukee's future.

In each of the last three seasons, Milwaukee has now been eliminated in the first round of the playoffs — despite winning 48 or more contests. Nine-time All-NBA superstar power forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, 30, remains one of the most unstoppable forces in the game, and easily one of the league's four best players.

But with Lillard, who'll turn 35 next month, likely to be sidelined for much or perhaps all of 2025-26, and the Bucks mostly out of draft equity or movable deals, questions abound about Antetokounmpo's ultimate appetite to stay in Cream City.

Should Antetokounmpo demand a trade out of town, he'd be the kind of franchise-altering asset that could instantly rocket a rival club to contender status. A two-time league MVP and one-time champion, Antetokounmpo is a remarkably athletic powerhouse who's virtually unstoppable in the open floor, and an absolute defensive menace.

Still, there's no guarantee that Antetokounmpo will leave the only NBA team he's known since his selection in the 2013 NBA Draft.

The roster could look pretty different, regardless of Antetokounmpo's decision on a possible trade demand. 3-and-D starting center Brook Lopez will hit unrestricted free agency, while reserve big man Bobby Portis has a $13.4 million player option for next year. He could potentially better that deal if he declines the option. Swingman Gary Trent Jr. will be an unrestricted free agent.

Now, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype has revealed that it is anticipated Bucks combo guard Kevin Porter Jr., acquired in a midseason trade, will opt out of his $2.55 million contract for 2025-26 and enter unrestricted free agency.

Milwaukee Bucks guard Kevin Porter Jr. is expected to decline his $2.55 million player option for the 2025-26 season, sources told @hoopshype. Milwaukee hopes to keep him next season, sources said. He averaged 11.7 points, 3.9 boards and 3.7 assists in 19.9 minutes with Milwaukee pic.twitter.com/Aw5y3wK2ms
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) June 11, 2025

Scotto reports that the Bucks aspire to retain Porter next year. Presumably, he'll be seeking a raise.

Across 30 regular season contests with Milwaukee (mostly as a reserve), the 6-foot-4 USC product averaged 11.7 points on .494/.408/.871 shooting splits, 3.9 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.3 steals in 19.9 minutes per.

The 24-year-old emerged as the Bucks' second-best ball handler behind only Lillard, and has tantalizing athleticism. He's a streaky shooter, and has intriguing defensive upside. Out of desperation, head coach Doc Rivers made some drastic rotation changes by the end of the Pacers series, promoting Porter, Trent, A.J. Green and Portis to starting roles next to Antetokoumpo.

The reignited Bucks pushed the Pacers to overtime in a competitive 119-118 loss. Porter scored 11 points on 4-of-10 shooting from the field and 2-of-3 shooting from the foul line, dished out seven dimes, grabbed three boards and swiped a steal.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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