Porter Jr. will refuse to implement next season s player option, and the Bucks intend to re-sign to make up for Lillard s injury

According to HoopsHype reporter Michael Scotto, Bucks guard Kevin Porter Jr. is expected to refuse to execute the player option and become a full free agent.

This decision was not surprising, as Porter Jr. rebounded strongly after trading from the Clippers to the Bucks in the middle of the season. In his 30 games for the Bucks, he averaged 11.7 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.7 assists in less than 20 minutes. He also played in five playoff games, averaging 11.2 points and 5.4 assists per game.

The Bucks are reportedly interested in re-signing the 24-year-old defender, especially given Lillard's Achilles tendon tear -- an injury that is expected to leave the All-Star player out for most of next season, even throughout the season. At present, Porter Jr. may be listed as the team's starting point guard unless the Bucks make some moves in free agent market or through trades.

As a former first round pick, Porter Jr. played in Greece at the start of the 2023-24 season before signing with the Clippers in July and returning to the NBA. He played 45 games for the Clippers before being traded to the Bucks in February.

His return to the league has been accompanied by a turbulent period off the court, including a plea agreement in 2023 on misdemeanor assault and harassment charges involving his girlfriend. The incident led to his departure from the Rockets and suspending his career. The Bucks have no first-round picks in this year's draft and have tight cap space, which makes it more valuable to bring back players like Porter Jr. with a controllable contract.