Bucks Release Tyler Smith, Finalize Roster Ahead of Season Opener

The Milwaukee Bucks have officially waived second-year forward Tyler Smith, finalizing their roster ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season. This decision comes just in time for the season opener and marks another controversial move for general manager Jon Horst, who faced criticism for the team’s past draft selections.

According to Shams Charania of ESPN, Smith’s contract was fully guaranteed but has now been terminated. This move allows the Bucks to streamline their roster as they prepare for the upcoming season. The team is now set with their 15-man standard roster, which includes key players who have shown promise in previous seasons.

One significant addition is Amir Coffey, who was signed under an Exhibit 9 training camp agreement. His performance during the training camp has secured his place on the final roster. Meanwhile, shooting guard Andre Jackson Jr. has had his salary of $2.22 million become fully guaranteed, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. Jackson played a vital role last season, often starting alongside former point guard Damian Lillard, primarily focusing on defensive responsibilities while contributing limited offense.

As the Bucks move forward without Smith, the team aims to enhance their performance this season, with a roster that reflects both depth and versatility. The decisions made in recent days highlight the Bucks’ commitment to building a competitive team ahead of their first game.

Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these roster changes impact the Bucks’ strategy and performance in the early stages of the season. The team’s focus will be on maximizing talent and creating synergy among players to secure a strong start in the competitive landscape of the NBA.