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Milwaukee Bucks center Jericho Sims will remain with the franchise for the 2026-27 season after exercising his $2.8 million player option, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.

The decision gives Milwaukee continuity in its frontcourt as the organization enters a new era following the blockbuster trade that sent Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis to the Miami Heat.

Sims, 27, appeared in 67 games during the 2025-26 campaign, making 19 starts while averaging 5.0 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 19.7 minutes per game. He finished the season shooting an NBA-best 78.4% from the field among qualified high-minute rotation players, with nearly all of his offense coming around the rim as a lob threat and offensive rebounder.

The former second-round pick provided reliable depth behind starting center Myles Turner, who played 71 games and averaged 11.9 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.6 blocks while stretching the floor with 38.3% three-point shooting. Sims complemented Turner by supplying interior rebounding and rim-running without requiring touches, averaging 2.2 offensive rebounds per game despite playing fewer than 20 minutes per night.

Milwaukee finished just 32-50 last season, missing the playoffs after placing 11th in the Eastern Conference. The disappointing campaign ultimately led to a franchise-altering decision, with Antetokounmpo requesting a trade and the Bucks agreeing to send the two-time MVP to Miami in a deal that will become official when the league’s moratorium ends on July 6.

The return package gives Milwaukee a significantly younger core, highlighted by Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis and three first-round picks, including the No. 13 selection in the 2026 NBA Draft. The Bucks also added two more rookies during draft week, selecting Brayden Burries with the 10th overall pick and Malique Lewis at No. 60.