Sports · Basketball · 4 hrs ago
Bucks Declined Nuggets' Offer for Kevin Porter Jr
The Bucks turned down Denver’s offer for Kevin Porter Jr. before the NBA roster cutdown deadline.
The Nuggets proposed two second-round picks, a pick swap and Zeke Nnaji in exchange for Porter.
Milwaukee reportedly balked at taking on Nnaji’s $7.47 million player option for the 2027-28 season, on top of his $7.47 million salary this season.
The Bucks later waived Porter and took on his $5.39 million cap hit.
The decision reflects how NBA teams are weighing future salary costs against draft assets under the league’s apron system, which limits teams’ financial flexibility.
Five salary-cap specialists consulted about the decision said they would have accepted the offer, while Milwaukee may face significant spending choices involving free agents in the coming years.
The Bucks declined a Nuggets offer to trade Kevin Porter Jr. for Zeke Nnaji and draft assets.
Milwaukee was unwilling to take on Nnaji’s $7.47 million player option for 2027/28, in addition to his $7.47 million salary this season.
The Bucks waived Porter on Monday and absorbed his $5.39 million cap hit.
Five salary cap specialists consulted by Jake Fischer said they would have accepted Denver’s offer.
- Who
- The Milwaukee Bucks and Denver Nuggets. Kevin Porter Jr. and Zeke Nnaji were involved in the proposed trade.
- What
- The Bucks turned down Denver’s offer of Nnaji and draft assets for Porter.
- When
- Before the roster cutdown deadline. The Bucks waived Porter on Monday.
- Where
- Milwaukee and Denver.
- Why
- Milwaukee did not want to take on Nnaji’s $7.47 million player option for 2027/28, in addition to his salary this season.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Bucks turned down Denver’s offer for Porter.
The Bucks waived Porter and absorbed his $5.39 million cap hit.
- Proposed Denver return
- Zeke Nnaji, two future second-rounders and a second-round pick swap
- Nnaji’s salary this season
- $7.47 million
- Nnaji’s player option
- $7.47 million for 2027/28
- Porter’s cap hit
- $5.39 million
- Salary cap specialists
- Five consulted by Jake Fischer said they would have taken Denver’s offer
What people are saying
flexibility and optionality
unintended consequence
sneaky interesting free agent