Bucks Make Unexpected Decision on Kevin Porter Jr.

As the Milwaukee Bucks work towards putting together their final roster ahead of the regular season, they have been narrowing down their roster. One player they surprisingly parted ways with was veteran guard Kevin Porter Jr.  

Porter was a player who found a consistent role in Milwaukee and played just over 33 minutes per game in 2025-2026. He was part of a deep backcourt this offseason, and it seems the front office prioritized having other developing guards on the roster over him. 

One issue Kevin Porter Jr. had last season was durability. While he averaged 17.4 points per game, along with 5.2 rebounds and 7.4 assists, he only appeared in 38 games. Now in 2026, Milwaukee made multiple additions to their backcourt, leaving him without a true place. 

In this year's draft, the Bucks selected guard Brayden Burries out of Arizona. They also got back guard Tyler Herro from the Miami Heat in the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade, and they may have him start alongside Ryan Rollins in the backcourt this season. 

Overall, both Burries and Rollins have impressed this coaching staff and front office with their play in preseason, and Tyler Herro is one of the most proven players on this roster. Milwaukee has been getting younger in recent seasons, and prioritizing the development of Burries and Rollins makes sense for the direction of the franchise. 

Moving forward, it could also lead to more playing time for young guard Kasparas Jakucionis, who was also dealt from Miami to Milwaukee as part of the Giannis trade. He is only 20 years old, and with a lot of opportunity with the Bucks, he could develop quickly as he comes off the bench. 

The Bucks' backcourt has the highest upside of any other position group on the roster. The young players they have could dictate how this season goes for them. If Brayden Burries can play like a Rookie of the Year candidate and Ryan Rollins can keep up his play from 2025-2026, that alone could propel the Bucks to a successful season. 

Head coach Taylor Jenkins said earlier in the preseason that he has liked the way Burries has progressed from the summer league to the preseason, and it will be interesting to see how much his role expands as the year goes along.

Milwaukee's young backcourt has a big opportunity ahead of them this season, and they could solidify themselves as the next young core.