Popular free agent target reportedly off the table for Memphis Grizzlies

Memphis Grizzlies likely to miss out on signing Bobby Portis in offseason

The Memphis Grizzlies are likely still building out their plans for the 2022 NBA Draft and 2022 NBA Free Agency period, but they can take one big potential name off the board.

According to NBA Insider Marc Stein, Milwaukee Bucks big man Bobby Portis is planning to re-sign with the team this offseason.

"The expectation already in circulation is that Portis will re-sign with Milwaukee on a multi-year deal even if he does opt for free agency"

Portis was on one of the most team-friendly deals you can imagine (2 year, $8.9 million), taking a massive hometown discount to resign with the cash-strapped 2021 reigning NBA Champions.

It was widely believed that he would use his player option to opt-out this offseason to become a free agent and take the temperature on what his market value might be— something astronomically more lucrative than the $4.45 million average he agreed to last offseason.

The former No. 22 overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft averaged 14.6 PPG, 9.1 RPG, and 1.2 APG for Milwaukee during the 2021-22 season, filling in as a starter for 59 games for the injured Brook Lopez.

Portis has found a nice home in Milwaukee, in which he plays like a starter, and has turned into a fan favorite due to his insane motor, drive, skill, and exuberant personality.

Some fans were holding out hope that the former Arkansas Razorback and Little Rock, Arkansas native might want to play a little bit closer to his hometown and consider signing with the Memphis Grizzlies.

But, that seems out of the question now that he’s reportedly committed to working out a new deal with the Bucks.

The Grizzlies are likely to continue their search for a big man who can play alongside Jaren Jackson Jr. as a starter or someone who can guard athletic big men (which proved to be a huge pain point for this team during the 2022 NBA Playoffs).

The offseason hasn’t even officially started yet, but Grizzlies fans can surely take Portis off their wish list of potential players being courted by Memphis.