The Milwaukee Bucks are exploring potential trade scenarios involving forward Tyler Smith before Monday’s 5 p.m. ET roster cutdown deadline, according to a report by Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
Per the report, Milwaukee has been gauging the trade market on Smith while deciding between him and guard Andre Jackson Jr. for their final roster spot. If no deal materializes, the 20-year-old forward is expected to be waived.
Smith, selected 33rd overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, signed with Milwaukee on July 5, 2024. During his rookie season, he spent time between the Bucks and their G League affiliate, the Wisconsin Herd.
Across 23 NBA appearances, he averaged 2.9 points and 1.1 rebounds in 5.3 minutes per game, shooting 48% from the field and 43.3% from three-point range.
In the G League, Smith showed promise as a versatile stretch forward. He posted 9.4 points and 6.3 rebounds in 15 games with the Herd, connecting on 38% of his attempts from deep.
Meanwhile, Jackson Jr. appears set to retain his spot after an impressive training camp. The second-year guard earned the trust of head coach Doc Rivers and started 43 of 67 games last season, averaging 3.4 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.2 assists while shooting 39.5% from beyond the arc.
The Bucks’ front office, led by general manager Jon Horst, faces a deadline decision that will shape the team’s depth moving into the 2025–26 season.
Milwaukee’s roster already includes established veterans such as Giannis Antetokounmpo, Myles Turner, Kyle Kuzma, and Gary Trent Jr., along with younger contributors like Cole Anthony and A.J. Green.
