Bucks Waive 17 PPG Scorer, One Team Frontrunner As Landing Spot
The Milwaukee Bucks have waived guard Kevin Porter Jr., sources tell ESPN. https://t.co/LSoqeSCLLQ
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 19, 2026
The leading contender for his services on the open market would seem to be the Sacramento Kings.
The Kings had reached out to the Bucks about trading for Porter after veteran Ben Simmons suffered a season-ending right Achilles injury during Sunday's final practice. That created an urgent need for point guard depth in Sacramento.
Bucks waive Porter Jr. to clear the way for younger players
For the Bucks, saying so long to Porter clears space for young talented rookies to get playing time as the team is in a rebuild mode after trading away Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Porter averaged 17.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 7.4 assists last season in Milwaukee, but also is known for his past off-court transgressions.
Meanwhile, another guard candidate to fill the Simmons void in SacTown would appear to be Walter Clayton Jr.
He was waived by the Memphis Grizzlies as part of their final roster cuts.
Earlier in the day, insider Jake Fischer suggested that the Kings had their eye on Clayton as well. He was the 18th overall in the 2025 draft, and averaged 9.7 points and 5.7 assists per game last year with the Grizz, but really failed to separate himself in a crowded point guard situation in Memphis during the preseason.
We'll watch to see which direction the Kings go in.