The Milwaukee Bucks have finalized their roster decisions ahead of the regular season, with forward Tyler Smith being waived and Andre Jackson Jr. securing a spot on the team. This news was reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Prior to this announcement, Smith was absent from the Bucks’ open practice, raising speculation about his future with the team. NBA insider Jake Fischer confirmed that the Bucks were indeed set to release Smith, who had been considered alongside Jackson for a roster spot. While both players struggled during the preseason, Jackson’s performance was noted to be slightly more favorable, giving him the edge needed to remain on the roster.
Selected 33rd overall in the previous draft, Smith had a challenging start, only managing to play in 23 NBA games last season, where he averaged just 2.9 points in 5.3 minutes. In the G League, he showed a bit more promise with the Wisconsin Herd, averaging 10.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and nearly one block per game. However, these statistics still fell short of expectations for a second-round pick.
Smith’s contract carries a guaranteed salary of $1,955,377 for this season. If he goes unclaimed on the waiver wire, that amount will remain on the Bucks’ financial books until the end of the 2025/26 season. Nevertheless, as the team is not in jeopardy of exceeding the luxury tax line, waiving Smith will not significantly impact their salary cap situation.
On the other hand, Jackson, who has a base salary of $2,221,677 for the following season, appears set to remain with the team, especially given Smith’s exit. His prior contract included a partial guarantee of $800K, but with Smith’s release, Jackson’s salary is now likely to be fully guaranteed, marking a significant opportunity for his career.
As the Bucks head into the new season, fans will be eager to see how Jackson will contribute, while Smith will look for opportunities elsewhere, possibly exploring two-way deals in the coming days. This roster move indicates the Bucks’ commitment to fielding a competitive lineup as they prepare for the season ahead.