Milwaukee Bucks Waive Guard Kevin Porter Jr.
The team released Kevin Porter Jr. to open roster space ahead of the NBA season opener.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Basketball
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The Milwaukee Bucks officially waived guard Kevin Porter Jr. on Monday. The move comes as the organization prepares for its first season without Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Why it matters
The decision is part of a broader retooling effort aimed at creating more playing time for younger backcourt players on the roster. It marks a significant shift in team strategy following the trade of Antetokounmpo to Miami.
During the 2025-26 season, Kevin Porter Jr. averaged 17.4 points, 7.4 assists, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.2 steals per game across 38 appearances. The team recently added depth through the 2026 draft with 10th overall pick Brayden Burries.
The players
Milwaukee Bucks
This is a professional basketball team based in Milwaukee that competes in the NBA's Central Division.
Kevin Porter Jr.
He is a professional basketball guard who played 38 games for Milwaukee during the 2025-26 season.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
He is an elite professional basketball player who was traded to the Miami Heat during the 2026 offseason.
Brayden Burries
He is a young professional basketball player who was selected by Milwaukee with the 10th overall pick in the 2026 draft.
The details
The Bucks moved to release the veteran guard to manage a surplus of backcourt talent as the roster deadline approached. This change allows the team to prioritize development for newer players as they adjust to a post-Antetokounmpo era.
Timeline
Monday, October 19, 2026: The Milwaukee Bucks waived Kevin Porter Jr.
2025-26 season: Kevin Porter Jr. played 38 games.
Offseason 2026: Giannis Antetokounmpo was traded to Miami.
Wednesday, October 21, 2026: The Bucks open their regular season in Washington.
Season Trajectory
The release of Kevin Porter Jr. signals a decisive shift toward a younger, rebuilding roster following the departure of Giannis Antetokounmpo. This move clarifies the team's depth chart as they look to integrate draft picks like Brayden Burries into primary playing roles.
The roster move creates an immediate opening in the starting rotation for younger guards to increase their usage rates. It also alters the depth chart ahead of the season opener, directly impacting how minutes will be distributed during the first week of play.
The takeaway
The Bucks are shifting their focus to long-term development by prioritizing younger talent in their backcourt. Fans should watch for increased playing time for the team's recent draft selections during the upcoming season opener.
Further reading
For more updates on roster moves and team developments, visit Milwaukee Basketball.
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