Bucks face key offseason decision on two premiere front court players

The Milwaukee Bucks are resolute in their efforts to maintain their position as a top contender in the Eastern Conference.

This offseason will be a pivotal one for the franchise, as they will look to keep their franchise cornerstone, Giannis Antetokoumpo, committed for the long haul.

The two-time MVP has expressed interest in staying in Milwaukee, cementing the Bucks long-term commitment to winning another championship; however, the front office has to make some important decisions about a number of key role players, specifically in their front court.

Among those decisions will be the future of Bobby Portis Jr. and Brook Lopez, both of whom will enter this offseason as free agents. The Bucks own the bird rights on both players, which play in role in the team retaining both players. 

Portis Jr. and Lopez have been pivotal parts of his Bucks team throughout the years, both contributing to their NBA Finals run in 2021. Their presence has helped keep the Bucks a formidable threat out in the Eastern Conference for the past few seasons.

Portis Jr., who has a $13.5 million player option for the 2025-26 season, is expected to decline to seek a bigger payday. He put together another productive season, averaging 13.9 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 2.1 assists.

Meanwhile, Lopez will enter this offseason drawing a lot of interest from other teams throughout the league. He is a former two-time All-Defensive player, having averaged.

13 points, five rebounds, 1.9 blocks, and 1.8 assists through 80 games this season. Lopez also recorded a 50.9 field goal percentage. Where he really shined was his three-point shooting. Last season he shot 37.3% from behind the arc.

The 37-year-old big man is firmly in the twilight of his career; however, he canstill be a major contributor to the Bucks or any team he signs with; he should command a lot of attention.

He has spent seven seasons with the Bucks and remains a beloved figure with the team. As the Bucks mull over several big decisions, there's no doubt that retaining their front court tandem has to be on top of the list.