Bucks' next roster move is becoming obvious as Summer League continues

As the Milwaukee Bucks weigh their options for rounding out their roster, Zack Austin is making a powerful case for a two-way contract. The 24-year-old has been a shot-blocking machine, showcasing the timing and production around the rim that could make him a unique and valuable addition to a Bucks rotation that hasn't exactly sorted its future out.

Milwaukee certainly has other options to consider, but Austin is becoming more difficult to deny by the day as his summer league showings reveal his NBA potential.

Austin went undrafted in 2025 and played the 2025-26 NBA season with the Oklahoma City Blue of the G League. He made 20 appearances overall, posting 12.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.9 blocks, 1.0 steal, and 2.0 three-point field goals made per game on .487/.404/.667 shooting.

Austin hasn't missed a beat during summer league. On Wed., July 15 he finished with 10 points, four rebounds, three offensive boards, one assist, and three blocks—all of which came in a span of 75 seconds—against the Charlotte Hornets.

It was Austin's second consecutive game with at least three blocks, which is on brand for a player who has made a habit out of redirecting attempts with volume as a 3-and-D forward.

Bucks should sign Zack Austin to a two-way contract

Austin's athletic abilities have enabled him to torment opponents around the rim. He's always a threat to float above the basket and redirect shots by opposing scorers, as well as a lob target and a transition game breaker who can throw down powerful dunks.

Compounded by his efficient outside shooting, Austin has the 3-and-D hybrid forward potential that the Bucks would be wise to covet and develop in their new-look rotation.

Milwaukee has made clear investments in its future with rookies Brayden Burries and Nate Ament joining the likes of AJ Green, Tyler Herro, Kasparas Jakucionis, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Ryan Rollins, and Kel'el Ware. For as crowded as the rotation may appear to be, however, there's no one quite like Austin on the roster.

Austin is technically a wing, but his defensive impact is so well-rounded that it becomes difficult to truly limit him to any one position.

Instead, Austin should be evaluated as a three-point shooting forward who can help protect the paint and maintain a presence in the passing lanes. That unique value should be invested in and prioritized, at least on a G League level, as Austin continues to prove he's ready for opportunity.

There may be other candidates for a two-way contract, but the Bucks would be wise to give Austin a chance to prove if his unique skill set for a forward can fit in their rotation.

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