John Butler Jr. will join the Milwaukee Bucks for training camp, but anything beyond that is uncertain. If the big man shines, yes, the Bucks could expand his camp contract into something bigger. His best bet would be securing a two-way deal with the team, considering he is eligible and the team has one of the three spots currently vacant. For him to do that, though, he must dazzle.
Butler brings another big body to NBA camp
It wouldn't hurt for the Milwaukee Bucks to keep another big man on a two-way deal. They certainly do not need another guard, given that they are already loaded there, especially with Cormac Ryan and Kam Jones on two-ways. Insurance behind Myles Turner, Kel'el Ware, and Jericho Sims in the event that any of them miss time would be valuable.
Assisting Butler's case is his familiarity with the franchise. The big man has spent time with the Bucks in the Summer League and with their G League affiliate, the Wisconsin Herd. He was a staple with the Herd last season, flexing two-way potential by averaging 9.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.5 blocks, and 1.1 steals in 35 regular season games, including 29 starts. Maybe the team thinks there is more there.
Butler will have a golden opportunity to prove them right or wrong in camp.
A two-way deal would be quite the story for Butler
After going undrafted in 2022, Butler has spent his time fighting tooth and nail trying to stick in the NBA, largely through the G League. He did briefly appear in the NBA during the 2022-23 season after earning a two-way with the Portland Trail Blazers, suiting up in 19 games. After getting a taste of the league, he's likely itching for the opportunity to return.
Butler is in an excellent spot to do so. Even before pivoting to a youth movement after trading away Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks have used the G League as a pathway for players to rise through the team ranks. If the big man earns himself a two-way contract, it might be only a matter of time before he earns a standard one, such as players like AJ Green and Ryan Rollins.
It all starts with how he performs leading up to the regular season. The ball is in his court right now as the Bucks eye two-way options amid their roster shuffling.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.
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