Milwaukee Bucks Signed Broome, Waived Butler Jr.
The Bucks added 35th overall draft pick Johni Broome to the roster while parting ways with John Butler Jr.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Basketball
The Milwaukee Bucks have signed forward Johni Broome and simultaneously waived John Butler Jr. following a series of roster adjustments. Broome, a 6-10 prospect, joins the team after being selected 35th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Why it matters
This roster move signals a shift in the Bucks development strategy by prioritizing the integration of a high-ceiling draft pick. The team is reshaping its depth chart to better utilize the skills of players who have demonstrated significant production potential at the professional level.
Johni Broome stands 6-10 and weighs 235 pounds, having previously recorded a 50-point single-game performance during his career. John Butler Jr. leaves the organization after appearing in 49 games for the Wisconsin Herd during the 2025-26 season.
The players
Johni Broome
He is a professional basketball player who was the 35th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
John Butler Jr.
He is a professional basketball player who spent the previous season competing for the Wisconsin Herd.
Milwaukee Bucks
This is a professional basketball team based in Wisconsin that competes in the National Basketball Association.
Wisconsin Herd
This is the G League affiliate team for the Milwaukee Bucks.
The details
Johni Broome enters the Milwaukee organization having previously appeared in 11 games for the Philadelphia 76ers last season. John Butler Jr. departs the team after spending the 2025-26 season primarily developing with the Wisconsin Herd.
Timeline
Johni Broome played five collegiate seasons from 2020 through 2025.
Broome scored a career-high 50 points with 17 rebounds on Jan 16, 2026.
John Butler Jr. played for the Wisconsin Herd throughout the 2025-26 season.
The Milwaukee Bucks signed Broome and waived Butler Jr. on Oct 6, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This roster shift highlights the fluid nature of NBA bench composition as teams refine their lineups during the regular season. The team is prioritizing the long-term potential of the 35th draft pick over existing depth options as they look to maintain competitive balance.
The addition of Johni Broome alters the frontcourt rotation and provides the coaching staff with a new prospect to evaluate in live game scenarios. Fantasy managers should monitor Broome for potential impact minutes if he establishes himself as a consistent rotation player.
The takeaway
Front-office decisions like these demonstrate the constant churn inherent in professional sports roster management. Players often must prove their value quickly in the G League or limited NBA opportunities to secure a permanent spot on a major league roster.
Further reading
For more on roster shifts, visit Basketball.
