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Can Mark Sears Fill Dire Need, Be Milwaukee Bucks' New Incarnation of 2-Way Contract Guard Help? 2 Feb 3, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Ryan Rollins (13) goes up for a basket against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Milwaukee Bucks Ink Promising Rotation Piece to 3-Year, $12 Million Deal

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By John Sbisa | Last updated Jul 7, 2025 12:05 AM ET

The Milwaukee Bucks did something many fans had been waiting for Sunday night, re-signing free agent point guard Ryan Ryans to a 3-year, $12 million deal. The move not only gives them another body at the point, it secures a promising young player whose game should only grow. Already a contributor last season, a year or two down the road, Rollins could be an intregral part of Milwaukee’s rotatation.

In Ryan Rollins, Milwaukee Bucks Lock Up Role Player Poised for Growth

Aside from the Myles Turner splash, the Bucks’ offseason approach has hinged on re-signing key cogs from last season’s roster. So far they have brought back Bobby Portis, Gary Trent Jr., Taurean Prince, Jericho Sims, Kevin Porter Jr. and now Rollins.

Before the Rollins deal, Porter was the roster’s only point guard after the Bucks waived Damian Lillard to clear cap room for Turner. While far from a textbook facilitator, Rollins gives him some company in the rotation and should see his skills grow in all facets given a second season of fair playing time.

Ryan Rollins 2024-25 season stats: 6.2 PPG, 1.9 APG, 1.9 RPG, 0.8 SPG, 48.7 FG%, 40.8 3P%.

Across 56 games in 2024-25, he averaged 14.6 minutes and made 19 starts. His season stats may not impress, but his role increased down the stretch and he ran with the opportunity. From March 20 on, when Lillard was out with a blood clot, Rollins logged double-figure minutes every night and 20 or more in nine of the 13 games. He averaged 13.1 points over his final 10 appearances.

Rollins Is Perfect for Capacity Bucks Need Him To Fill

An excellent defender, part of his role will be defending opposing point guards, more so than functioning as one on the offensive end, where Giannis Antetokounmpo runs the show. 23 as of July 3, Rollins has plenty of time to fill out his frame. A bit more size and strength will complement his nimble, active defense.

Milwaukee Bucks Ink Promising Rotation Piece to 3-Year, $12 Million Deal 2 Mar 28, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; New York Knicks guard Tyler Kolek (13) drives to the basket against Milwaukee Bucks guard Ryan Rollins (13) in the second half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images

On offense, his long-range shooting helps space the floor. If he simply comes close to his percentages last season, even without a large increase in involvement, he can contribute positively on that end as he serves a 3-and-D role in the backcourt.

Certainly, though, he should also have the chance to expand his ball handling, scoring and passing skills. As long as he enjoys more playing time – which he should, based on his play in the latter part of last season – his numbers will climb naturally.

Milwaukee Bucks Ink Promising Rotation Piece to 3-Year, $12 Million Deal 3 Mar 30, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Ryan Rollins (13) talks with referee Ed Malloy (14) during the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Hawks at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Until March, Rollins played on a two-way contract for the Bucks, before signing a standard deal for the rest of the year. For three years and $12 million, he is a player who might seem like a steal by next season, and very possibly before. Securing Rollins is a win for both the present and the future of the franchise.

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

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