Milwaukee Bucks GM Jon Horst Details Bobby Portis’ $44 Million Re-Signing, Emphasizing His Strong Connection to the City, Love for Playing Alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Unwavering Commitment to Winning with the Current Core.
Milwaukee Bucks general manager Jon Horst recently offered a detailed look into the motivations behind Bobby Portis’ decision to re-sign with the franchise, a move that has once again reinforced the team’s dedication to keeping its core intact as they pursue another championship run. Portis, the fan-favorite forward known for his passion, energy, and relentless work ethic, agreed to a three-year, \$44 million contract, a deal that ensures his presence in Milwaukee for the foreseeable future. For Horst and the Bucks organization, this wasn’t just about retaining a talented player but also about preserving the culture and chemistry that have made the team one of the NBA’s elite squads over the past several years.
Horst explained that the negotiation process with Portis was built on mutual respect and understanding. Portis had garnered interest from multiple teams across the league, with several franchises willing to offer significant roles and financial packages to lure him away from Milwaukee. However, Horst revealed that the forward’s loyalty and love for the city of Milwaukee and the Bucks’ locker room environment played a pivotal role in his decision. “Bobby wasn’t short on options,” Horst shared. “But he wanted to be here. He wants to win with this group, loves playing with Giannis, and embraces our franchise’s culture and vision. Those things are incredibly valuable.”
Portis’ journey with the Bucks began in 2020, when he signed with the team during an offseason where Milwaukee was looking for depth and toughness to complement the dominance of Giannis Antetokounmpo. Since then, Portis has evolved into one of the most beloved players in franchise history, not only because of his performance on the court but also due to his fiery personality and connection with the fan base. His signature celebrations, hustle plays, and willingness to do the dirty work have made him a staple in the Bucks’ rotation. When the Bucks won the 2021 NBA Championship, Portis played an instrumental role, delivering clutch performances in the Finals and cementing his status as a fan favorite.
Horst emphasized that Portis’ presence brings an intangible edge to the team. While his statistics—averaging double-digit points and strong rebounding numbers—speak for themselves, his leadership, energy, and versatility are equally vital. “Bobby is one of those guys who can change the momentum of a game with his effort,” Horst noted. “He doesn’t just score or rebound; he sets a tone. His toughness is something our guys feed off of, and that’s why having him here is so important.”
The decision to bring Portis back on a lucrative deal also reflects Milwaukee’s long-term commitment to building around its star players. Giannis Antetokounmpo, the two-time MVP and Finals MVP, has always spoken highly of Portis, praising his competitiveness and unselfishness. The Bucks’ front office understands that surrounding Giannis with players who complement his style and share his hunger to win is critical to sustaining their championship window. Portis’ ability to stretch the floor, play physical defense, and bring emotional fire aligns perfectly with what the Bucks need in high-pressure situations.
From Portis’ perspective, the decision to stay in Milwaukee was about more than just basketball. Over the past few years, he has repeatedly mentioned how much he appreciates the city, the fans, and the organization’s belief in him. In interviews, he has described Milwaukee as a place that gave him a fresh start in his career after bouncing around several teams early on. The Bucks took a chance on him when he was still trying to establish himself as a key player in the league, and that loyalty has been reciprocated. “This city embraced me from day one,” Portis has said in the past. “I’ll never forget that.”
Horst confirmed that during the free agency process, Portis made it clear he wanted to stay if the deal made sense for both sides. “He didn’t have to choose Milwaukee,” Horst said. “There were teams with cap space and opportunities that could have been tempting. But at the end of the day, he felt this is where he belongs, and that means a lot to us as an organization. We know what he brings to the table, and we value every part of it.”
The three-year, \$44 million contract is also a reflection of Portis’ growth and consistency. In recent seasons, he has become a reliable contributor, whether starting or coming off the bench. His ability to score in the mid-range, hit three-pointers, and battle on the boards makes him a unique weapon in the Bucks’ system. Moreover, his defensive versatility allows head coach Doc Rivers to deploy him in different lineups, whether it’s as a small-ball center or alongside other big men like Brook Lopez.
Horst also touched on the importance of keeping continuity within the team’s core group. In an era where roster turnover is frequent and chemistry often takes time to build, the Bucks’ front office has prioritized maintaining a sense of stability. By re-signing Portis, they not only keep a key contributor but also ensure that the team’s culture remains strong. “Our players know Bobby. They know what he brings every night,” Horst said. “He’s someone who holds himself and others accountable, and that’s a big part of why we’ve been successful.”
Another aspect that Horst highlighted was Portis’ relationship with Giannis Antetokounmpo. The two have developed a strong on-court partnership, with Portis often spacing the floor to give Giannis room to operate while also crashing the boards to create second-chance opportunities. Giannis, who values hard-working and team-oriented players, has frequently praised Portis’ mentality. “Playing with someone like Giannis makes you want to give everything,” Horst explained. “Bobby loves that challenge, and he thrives in that environment.”
Off the court, Portis has also become a leader in the community. He has been involved in charitable efforts and has built a strong rapport with the fans. His approachable personality and genuine love for the game have made him one of the faces of the franchise. Horst mentioned that this community connection was another factor in their decision to keep him. “Bobby isn’t just a player; he’s part of the fabric of Milwaukee,” Horst said. “He understands what this city is about, and he represents it every time he steps on the court.”
Looking ahead, Horst believes that retaining Portis is crucial to the Bucks’ pursuit of another NBA title. With Giannis, Khris Middleton, Damian Lillard, and Brook Lopez forming the core of the team, having a player like Portis who can step up in big moments gives Milwaukee a significant advantage. “We’re not just thinking about this season,” Horst added. “We’re thinking about building a team that can compete for championships year after year. Bobby is a big part of that vision.”
The Bucks’ decision to invest in Portis also speaks to their faith in his continued improvement. At 29, he is entering the prime years of his career, and Horst is confident that his best basketball is still ahead of him. “Bobby has shown us time and time again that he’s willing to put in the work,” Horst said. “Whether it’s improving his shooting, his conditioning, or his defense, he’s always finding ways to get better. That’s the type of player we want in Milwaukee.”
As training camp approaches, Portis’ re-signing has already energized the team and its fan base. His return ensures that the Bucks maintain a level of grit and toughness that is often the difference in playoff basketball. For Horst, the satisfaction of securing Portis’ future with the team goes beyond the numbers on the contract. It’s about keeping a player who embodies the spirit of the franchise, someone who plays with heart and refuses to back down.
In the broader context of the NBA, Portis’ loyalty to Milwaukee is a reminder that not every player is chasing the biggest market or the most glamorous situation. For him, the connection to his teammates, the love from the fans, and the belief that this team can win it all again outweigh other considerations. Horst’s comments reflect this sentiment perfectly. “We’re building something special here, and Bobby believes in it,” Horst said. “That’s why he’s here, and that’s why we’re so excited to have him.”
With the new season on the horizon, the Bucks will rely on Portis to bring the same intensity and leadership that have defined his time in Milwaukee. Whether it’s hitting a clutch shot, making a key defensive stop, or simply firing up the crowd with his energy, Portis remains a vital part of the Bucks’ identity. His re-signing not only strengthens the roster but also sends a message that Milwaukee is committed to winning now and in the future. For Jon Horst and the entire organization, keeping Bobby Portis in a Bucks uniform was more than just a smart basketball decision—it was the right one.
