The Bucks have waived Kevin Porter Jr., according to ESPN’s Shams Charania, choosing to release one of last season’s most productive guards to reach the regular-season roster limit.
Milwaukee entered Monday with 16 players on guaranteed standard contracts and needed to move one. Caris LeVert and Jericho Sims had also surfaced as possible departures, but the Bucks ultimately cut Porter.
The 26-year-old averaged 17.4 points, 7.4 assists and 5.2 rebounds in 38 games last season. His release comes after Milwaukee explored trade options, including contact from the Kings, who are looking for backcourt help following Ben Simmons’ torn Achilles tendon.
Jake Fischer of The Stein Line reported Sacramento’s interest earlier Monday. No trade materialized before the Bucks decided to place Porter on waivers.
Porter’s production made him a notable name among the final roster cuts, though Milwaukee still has plenty of guards competing for minutes. Tyler Herro, Ryan Rollins, Brayden Burries, Kasparas Jakucionis and Gary Trent Jr. remain under contract, with A.J. Green and LeVert also available on the perimeter.
Porter has shown an ability to score and create for teammates throughout his NBA career, but his shooting and defense have been less consistent. He is a career 34.8 percent three-point shooter.
His expiring contract will now be available for another team to claim. If he clears waivers, he’ll become an unrestricted free agent, giving the Kings and other interested clubs an opportunity to pursue him without completing a trade.
The Bucks, meanwhile, are down to 15 players on standard contracts.
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