The Milwaukee Bucks have added another intriguing big man to their preseason roster, signing John Butler Jr. to a training camp deal on September 4.
The 23-year-old Butler returns to the NBA after spending the 2025-26 season with the Wisconsin Herd, Milwaukee’s G League affiliate. His strong campaign with the Herd earned him another opportunity with the Bucks organization.
Butler Coming Off His Best G League Season
Butler enjoyed the most productive G League season of his career in 2025-26.
The 7-foot-1 forward/center appeared in 49 games, including 40 starts, for Wisconsin. He averaged approximately 9.4 points, 5.7-5.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.7 blocks in 28.6 minutes per game. He also shot 36.3% from three-point range, giving the unusually tall big man an additional perimeter threat.
His combination of size, rim protection and shooting ability makes him an interesting developmental option for Milwaukee.
Familiar Face for the Bucks
This isn’t Butler’s first stint with the organization.
He played for Milwaukee during the 2026 summer league, appearing in three California Classic games and five NBA 2K26 Las Vegas Summer League contests. That familiarity likely helped pave the way for his return to the Bucks.
Butler previously spent time with the Portland Trail Blazers, appearing in 19 NBA games during the 2022-23 season. He went undrafted out of Florida State in 2022.
What Does the Deal Mean?
Butler’s contract is an Exhibit 10 deal, effectively giving him a training-camp opportunity with Milwaukee. It does not guarantee him a spot in the Bucks’ regular-season rotation.
The team could ultimately look at Butler as a developmental player who continues his growth with the Wisconsin Herd. NBA.com also lists the signing as a training-camp invitation, with a potential path back to Milwaukee’s G League affiliate.
A 7-Footer With Shooting Potential
Butler’s most intriguing quality is his skill set for a player his size.
At roughly 7-foot-1, he has shown an ability to stretch the floor, while his shot-blocking numbers provide another dimension defensively. His 36.3% three-point shooting with Wisconsin last season could make him particularly interesting as the Bucks evaluate their frontcourt depth.
The challenge will be turning that intriguing combination of size and skill into consistent NBA-level production.
Bucks Continue Building Their Training Camp Roster
With training camp approaching later in September, Milwaukee is continuing to fill out its preseason group and evaluate players who could contribute either at the NBA level or with the Wisconsin Herd.
For Butler, the opportunity represents another chance to work his way back into the NBA after a productive G League season.
If he can translate his improved shooting, rebounding and shot-blocking into consistent performances during training camp, Butler could emerge as an intriguing developmental piece for the Bucks heading into the 2026-27 season.