The Wisconsin Herd, G League affiliate of the Milwaukee Bucks, have been making moves all summer, and their latest transaction may be their biggest yet. They announced they have acquired Johnny Davis from the Westchester Knicks in exchange for the rights to Diego Bernard and Jalen Lewis, a pick in the 2026 NBA G League Player Draft, and a pick in the 2026 NBA G League International Draft.
Davis comes to Wisconsin after a short stint with the G League's Westchester Knicks. He will have an opportunity to audition with the Herd as he looks to make his way back into the NBA.
Johnny Davis will look to rebound with the Herd
Most Bucks fans are well aware of Johnny Davis because he spent his collegiate career in Wisconsin with the Badgers. The 2021-22 Big Ten Player of the Year was an electric player for the Badgers, as he averaged 19.7 points. 8.2 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game during his sophomore season. While he could have used another year in college, Davis declared for the NBA Draft.
After being drafted 10th overall by the Washington Wizards in 2022, Davis' career hasn't taken off to this point. He averaged just 11.4 minutes across 112 appearances during his first three seasons as a Wizard, failing to crack the rotation. Now, his best path forward back to the NBA is fighting for a spot in the G League and showing teams he can play. He gets to do that in his home state now.
Davis will have plenty of eyes on him during his time with the Herd, including those of the front office in Milwaukee. After undergoing a complete youth overhaul this past summer, the team is clearly not opposed to bringing in youngsters. If Davis impresses, it wouldn't be surprising to see Milwaukee promote Davis on a two-way deal at some point next season.
To impress, Johnny Davis must get back to doing what made him a standout in college. It starts with his scoring ability and showing what he can do from all three levels. Defensively, he's always been a pest when it comes to generating steals, but showing growth as a one-on-one defender is crucial. Showing the same tenacity on the glass that he did at Wisconsin wouldn't hurt either.
While the Herd gave up plenty to get him, this is a great low-risk gamble. They just added a former top 10 overall pick who is still just 23 years old. If he works out, they may have a hidden gem who could be a future piece for the Milwaukee Bucks. If not, Davis won't be a long-term commitment. For a Herd team that is stacking talent, this is yet another quality move on their end.
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