The Milwaukee Bucks sent shockwaves through the NBA this offseason, kicking things off with a jaw-dropping decision to waive and stretch Damian Lillard’s massive contract. But the surprises didn’t stop there. With the newfound cap space, the Bucks made a bold move, snagging division rival Myles Turner in free agency to bolster their frontcourt. While these blockbuster moves stole headlines, Milwaukee quietly secured a gem in their backcourt, re-signing rising star Ryan Rollins to a three-year, $12 million deal, as reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania.
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Rollins, a former second-round pick, has quickly become a fan favorite in Milwaukee, and his new contract signals the Bucks’ belief in his potential to shine in a revamped roster. The 2022 No. 44 overall pick by the Golden State Warriors, Rollins’ journey to this moment has been anything but conventional. After a brief stint with the Warriors, he was shipped to the Washington Wizards in the trade that sent Jordan Poole to D.C. and brought Chris Paul to Golden State. However, his time in Washington was short-lived, as the Wizards cut him midway through the 2023-24 season.
The Bucks swooped in, signing Rollins to a two-way contract that same season. By March, his hustle and flashes of brilliance earned him a standard NBA deal, a testament to his rapid growth. Last season, Rollins appeared in 56 games, including 19 starts, averaging 14 minutes per contest. His stat line sparkled for a player of his experience: a career-high 6.2 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game, with impressive shooting splits of 48.7% from the field, 40.8% from beyond the arc, and 80% from the free-throw line. These numbers aren’t just stats—they’re proof of a young guard carving out a role on a contending team.
Rollins’ path forward won’t be without competition. The Bucks have assembled a crowded and talented backcourt, re-signing Kevin Porter Jr. and Gary Trent Jr., adding veteran Garry Harris, and trading for Vasilije Micic. Throw in sharpshooter AJ Green, and Milwaukee’s guard rotation is stacked with playmakers vying for minutes. Yet, Rollins’ versatility, defensive tenacity, and improving three-point stroke make him a prime candidate to carve out a meaningful role under coach Doc Rivers.
The Bucks’ offseason has been a rollercoaster, from parting ways with Lillard to doubling down on their core with strategic signings. Rollins’ $12 million deal might not grab the same headlines as Turner’s arrival, but it’s a savvy investment in a player who’s shown he can rise to the occasion. As Milwaukee retools for a championship run, all eyes will be on Rollins to see if he can transform from a two-way contract steal into a backcourt cornerstone. The stage is set—let’s see how high he climbs!