The Milwaukee Bucks have added another big man ahead of training camp, signing John Butler Jr.
Milwaukee officially announced the move on Friday, bringing the 7-foot, 220-pound center back into an organisation he already knows well.
Contract terms were not announced.
Butler Returns to Milwaukee
Butler spent the 2025-26 season with the Wisconsin Herd, Milwaukee's NBA G League affiliate.
He appeared in 49 G League games, starting 40, and averaged 9.0 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.6 blocks in 24.7 minutes per game.
Butler then remained in the Bucks' system during the summer, joining Milwaukee for the 2026 NBA Summer League.
Now he has earned another contract with the Bucks ahead of the new season.
Another NBA Opportunity
Butler entered the NBA after going undrafted out of Florida State in 2022.
He made his NBA debut with the Portland Trail Blazers during the 2022-23 season, appearing in 19 games and making one start.
At 7 feet tall, Butler offers intriguing size while also possessing the ability to step away from the basket.
He has since spent much of his career developing in the G League, including significant time with Wisconsin.
Milwaukee also signed Butler during the 2025 preseason before waiving him, with the center subsequently returning to the Herd.
Fighting for a Place
The latest deal gives Butler another chance to impress the Bucks during the build-up to the 2026-27 season.
Milwaukee has undergone significant roster changes this summer, creating a different environment around the team and opportunities for players further down the depth chart to make an impression.
Butler already has familiarity with the Bucks' system and has spent considerable time playing for their G League affiliate.
At 23, there is also still time for him to turn that familiarity and development into another sustained opportunity at NBA level.
For now, Butler is back with the Bucks and has another chance to prove he belongs.