The Milwaukee Bucks have finalized their 15-man roster for the 2025-26 season, with guard Andre Jackson Jr. and veteran wing Amir Coffey securing the final two spots following a competitive training camp. The team is now expected to waive 2024 second-round draft pick Tyler Smith before the Oct. 20 roster deadline.
Jackson, acquired in a 2023 draft-night trade, will have the remaining $1.4 million of his contract guaranteed. The 23-year-old played in 67 games for the Bucks last season, starting 43, and embraced the intense competition in camp. “We’ve got a lot of competitive dudes,” Jackson said. “Challenging each other is going to help us when we get to game night.”
Coffey, a 28-year-old veteran, earned his place after signing a non-guaranteed training camp deal in August, which will now be converted to a guaranteed minimum contract. His performance impressed head coach Doc Rivers, who has mentioned Coffey as a potential starting small forward in certain lineups. Coffey credited his success to his focused approach, stating his goal was to “hone in on every day” and learn the new system.
The decision means the end of Tyler Smith’s tenure with the team. The 6-foot-11 forward, who will turn 21 in November, was selected 33rd overall in the 2024 draft and appeared in 23 games as a rookie. After struggling in the summer league and playing in only two preseason games, he will be waived despite his $1.95 million salary for the upcoming season.
Smith’s departure continues a trend for the Bucks. Following the February trade of 2024 first-round pick AJ Johnson and the recent waiving of 2023 second-round selection Chris Livingston, Giannis Antetokounmpo (No. 15, 2013) is now the only original Milwaukee draft pick remaining on the roster.
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