Milwaukee makes a change before opening night
Milwaukee released Kevin Porter Jr. as Monday's NBA roster deadline approached, removing a guard who had been a major contributor when healthy. The Bucks are scheduled to begin their campaign at Washington on Wednesday, according to the AP report.
Porter's previous season combined substantial production with limited availability. Injuries restricted him to 38 games, but his average of 7.4 assists led the team. He was also Milwaukee's second-leading scorer, contributing 17.4 points a night. His remaining averages included 5.2 rebounds and 2.2 steals.
The decision comes during a wider reshaping of the backcourt. Milwaukee has several guards competing for opportunities as it enters its first season following Giannis Antetokounmpo's departure. The two-time MVP moved to Miami in an offseason trade, bringing Tyler Herro and Kasparas Jakučionis to the Bucks in return.
More room for developing guards
Herro, an All-Star in 2025, joins returning guard Ryan Rollins among the team's options. The younger group includes 20-year-old Jakučionis and Brayden Burries, whom Milwaukee selected tenth overall from Arizona in this year's draft.
AP's assessment is that releasing Porter could create additional playing time for those developing backcourt players. That opportunity reflects the number of guards already available, rather than a lack of previous statistical contribution from Porter.
The NBA's separate season preview places Herro at the centre of the rebuilding period and also identifies first-round pick Nate Ament among the new players. Those expectations describe the squad's direction before games begin. The confirmed personnel change is Porter's release; the material does not identify a completed agreement for him with another team.