The Milwaukee Bucks announced the signing of 7-foot center John Butler Jr. To their preseason roster on September 4, 2026. This move adds frontcourt depth as the team prepares for training camp later this month, aiming to address a recent slide that saw them lose their final two games of the 2025-26 season, including a 126-106 defeat to the Philadelphia 76ers on April 12.
Who is John Butler Jr.?
John Butler Jr. Is a 23-year-old center who spent last season with the Wisconsin Herd, the Bucks' G League affiliate. He played 49 games for the Herd, putting up career-best numbers of 9.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game in about 29 minutes per appearance. Butler also represented the Bucks during the NBA Summer League this offseason, giving the organization extended looks at his development.
His professional journey started after one college season at Florida State in 2021-22, where he averaged 5.9 points and 1.2 blocks. Declaring for the NBA draft, he went undrafted. Butler then bounced between the New Orleans Pelicans and Portland Trail Blazers organizations, eventually making his NBA debut for Portland in the 2022-23 season, appearing in 19 games.
What does Butler bring to the Bucks?
Butler has carved out a specific niche as a modern big man. Over 147 career G League games with the Herd, Capital City Go-Go, and Stockton Kings, he has developed into a reliable floor-spacer and free throw shooter. Last season with the Herd, he shot 36.3% from three-point range on 4.2 attempts per game.
His free throw shooting showed dramatic improvement, hitting 84.1% last season after a 60% mark during his first year in Stockton. While his overall field goal percentage has yet to reach 50%, his combination of size, shot-blocking instinct, and perimeter shooting is a valuable archetype. He provides a different look in the frontcourt.
Why this signing matters now
This signing comes as the Bucks look to finalize their roster ahead of training camp, which opens in the last week of September. Adding a young, familiar player like Butler provides insurance and competition for big man minutes. The team's need for reinforcement is showed by their finish to the previous campaign.
Their recent form over the last five games was 1 win and 4 losses (LLWLL), and they lost their final two contests. Strengthening the roster's depth, particularly with a player who knows the system, is a logical step. You can track how the roster shapes up on our [squad](/squad) page.
What comes next for Butler and the Bucks?
Butler will join the team for training camp with an opportunity to earn a spot on the regular-season roster. His performance in preseason practices and games will be critical. The Bucks will evaluate how his skills translate against NBA competition and whether he can provide meaningful minutes.
For the Bucks, the focus shifts to integrating new pieces and building chemistry. The goal is to start the new season strongly and move past the disappointing end to the last one. The team's upcoming schedule and performance can be followed through our [fixtures](/fixtures) and [standings](/standings) pages. Butler's journey from the G League to securing an NBA opportunity is a sign of his development, and the Bucks are betting his unique skill set can help them.
