Bucks Release Chris Livingston to Clear Cap Space

In a significant roster move, the Milwaukee Bucks have officially waived Chris Livingston, a young small forward who has been primarily honing his skills in the G League over the past two years. This decision comes as the Bucks look to optimize their salary cap situation following their recent acquisition of center Myles Turner from the Indiana Pacers.

Livingston, who is just 21 years old, hails from Akron, Ohio. He garnered attention during his high school career at Buchtel High School, Western Reserve Academy, and Oak Hill Academy in Virginia. After a single season at the University of Kentucky, he declared for the NBA Draft, where the Bucks selected him with the 58th overall pick in 2023.

During his tenure with Milwaukee, Livingston managed to appear in 21 games each season, but his impact was minimal, recording averages of 1.3 points and 1.3 rebounds while shooting 40.8% from the field. However, he found more success with the Wisconsin Herd, the Bucks’ G League affiliate, where he averaged 18.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.1 steals in 18 games during the past season. This performance demonstrated his potential and capability to contribute at a higher level.

Livingston was represented by Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, and the details of his contract indicated that he had two years remaining on his deal, with $2.2 million being non-guaranteed if waived before July 16. By letting him go now, the Bucks free up some financial flexibility, allowing them to better position themselves under the salary cap.

The decision to part ways with Livingston reflects the Bucks’ broader strategy to make necessary adjustments as they prepare for the upcoming season. The addition of Turner is expected to bolster their frontcourt, and clearing Livingston from the roster creates additional room for further moves or acquisitions.

As reported by hoopswire.com, this transition illustrates the Bucks’ commitment to maximizing their roster efficiency as they aim for another championship run. With this roster adjustment, Milwaukee is not only optimizing their current lineup but also signaling their intent to remain competitive in an increasingly challenging Eastern Conference.

Ultimately, while Livingston’s release may come as a disappointment to some who have tracked his journey from high school to the NBA, it underscores the realities of professional basketball, where teams must make tough decisions to balance talent and financial obligations. The Bucks will undoubtedly continue to evolve as they seek to reclaim their place at the top of the league.