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John Butler Jr. arrives at Milwaukee Bucks training camp with a clear short-term goal: stand out enough to convert his camp deal into a more secure role. The team has an open two-way slot, so a strong showing could make Butler a candidate for that spot.
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John Butler Jr. has an immediate chance to make Bucks roster
The Bucks enter camp with depth in the backcourt, making a frontcourt addition more useful than another guard. With two-way players like Cormac Ryan and Kam Jones already on the roster, the organization appears set at guard but could use insurance up front.
Adding a big on a two-way contract would provide cover behind starters such as Myles Turner, Kel’el Ware and Jericho Sims if injuries or rest become factors during the season. That context explains why Butler — a traditional big man — has a realistic window to earn meaningful minutes.
Familiarity with the franchise works in his favor
Butler is not coming to Milwaukee as a complete unknown. He has previously played for the Bucks in Summer League and spent time with their G League affiliate, the Wisconsin Herd.
Last season with the Herd he averaged 9.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.5 blocks and 1.1 steals across 35 regular-season games, including 29 starts. Those numbers helped position him as a player with two-way potential rather than just a camp invitee.
The path he’s taken — and what comes next
After going undrafted in 2022, Butler has largely built his professional career through the G League. He did earn a two-way deal with the Portland Trail Blazers in 2022-23 and appeared in 19 NBA games, experience that gives him direct knowledge of what it takes to stick at the next level.
Milwaukee has shown a propensity for promoting G League players into roster roles, and that pathway remains open. If Butler secures a two-way contract, he could follow the trajectory of recent players who advanced from two-way deals to standard NBA contracts.
Ultimately, Butler’s fate will hinge on his camp performance. With one two-way slot available, the coming practices and preseason games will determine whether his opportunity expands beyond training camp.
