athlonsports.com

Bucks Receive Bad News on Saturday from 6-foot-4 Guard

The Milwaukee Bucks entered the 2025 NBA Draft with only one pick, owned at No. 47 in the second round, a selection originally from Detroit and Washington.

With that pick, they chose Serbian power forward Bogoljub Marković, a 6′10″ stretch big from KK Mega Basket.

Analysts like Bleacher Report note his skill flashes and upside as a face-up forward, while also emphasizing that he remains a developmental asset. This pick reflects Milwaukee’s focus on long‑term frontcourt depth around Giannis.

On Saturday, however, the backcourt received a blow. Kevin Porter Jr. has informed the Bucks he will decline his roughly $2.5 million player option and test unrestricted free agency.

First reported by The Athletic’s Fred Katz and Eric Nehm, and confirmed by HoopsHype, the decision shifts Porter off the roster unless re‑signed by mutual agreement.

Porter averaged about 11.7 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.7 assists in nearly 20 minutes per game with Milwaukee, producing especially strong numbers in his final 13 regular‑season outings.

Doc Rivers

Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers call a timeout.

© Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

Now facing free agency, the Bucks must balance building around Giannis Antetokounmpo.

With Damian Lillard sidelined by injury for the coming season, retaining Porter would provide valuable backcourt depth, though doing so would require cap exceptions and may trigger a hard salary cap.

Milwaukee could instead redirect that space toward perimeter shooters or veteran creators to complement Giannis’s dominant interior play.

Last season, Antetokounmpo's playoff hopes were shattered by inconsistencies in both the offense and defense despite him playing phenomenally well. He desperately wants to win and Doc Rivers will have to bolster the team for him.

Read full news in source page