Bucks Announce Kevin Porter Jr. News After Leaving Wizards Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Oct 22, 2025 9:10 PM ET

The Milwaukee Bucks are entering the 2025–26 season with hopes of remaining competitive in a loaded Eastern Conference. The team had an impactful offseason maximizing the current window, surrounding superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo with supplemental pieces. One of those pieces is Kevin Porter Jr., who arrived via a trade with the Los Angeles Clippers during last year’s deadline.

Porter fit in immediately in Milwaukee, playing in 30 games (two starts) and averaging 11.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.3 steals while shooting 49.4% from the field and 40.8% from three-point range. The 25-year-old wing signed a two-year, $10.5 million contract to remain with the Bucks through 2027. Porter has been an athletic shot creator, capable of generating offense around Antetokounmpo while also providing solid perimeter defense.

Milwaukee Bucks guard Kevin Porter Jr. (3)© Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

With Damian Lillard no longer part of the Bucks organization following his release in the offseason, and Kyle Kuzma struggling to find his rhythm, a spot opened up for Porter in the starting lineup under coach Doc Rivers. Porter got off to a strong start during Wednesday’s regular season opener against the Washington Wizards, recording 10 points on 3-of-5 shooting, adding two three-pointers and two assists in his first nine minutes.

His momentum was interrupted during a defensive play against Cam Whitmore. After Whitmore pushed off, Porter took an awkward fall and stepped on his teammate Bobby Portis’ foot. He stayed down briefly before walking to the locker room under his own power. The Bucks later announced that Porter would not return due to a left ankle sprain. “Per Bucks PR, it's a left ankle sprain for Kevin Porter Jr. He will not return to tonight's game,” reported The Athletic’s Eric Nehm.

Per Bucks PR, it's a left ankle sprain for Kevin Porter Jr.

He will not return to tonight's game. https://t.co/PKyaTPrfVY
— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) October 23, 2025

It’s a tough blow for Milwaukee, as Porter has been a valuable contributor on both ends of the floor, especially for a team still searching for reliable depth and consistent shot creation around Antetokounmpo.

This is Porter’s second stint with the Bucks, who originally drafted him 30th overall in the 2019 NBA Draft before trading him to Cleveland. He spent one season with the Cavaliers, then three with the Houston Rockets. After a brief run with Greek club PAOK, he returned to the NBA last year with the Clippers.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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