The Milwaukee Bucks faced a tight roster situation heading into the 2025-26 NBA regular season. As the Oct. 20 cut deadline approached, they had to make difficult choices to finalize their 15-man lineup. According to reports from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and ESPN’s Shams Charania, 22-year-old forward Chris Livingston became one of the odd players out. The Bucks decided to waive Livingston, who was once considered a long-term piece of their future.
Head coach Doc Rivers and the front office have been evaluating every player closely through training camp and preseason action. While Rivers had praise for veteran Amir Coffey’s strong finish to camp, the numbers game ultimately left Livingston without a roster spot. The Bucks must now make one final roster adjustment before the official Oct. 20 deadline.
Chris Livingston’s Short Stint in Milwaukee
Chris Livingston’s journey with the Bucks has been anything but smooth. Drafted with the final (58th) pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, Livingston made headlines when he signed the largest deal ever for a second-round pick — a four-year, $7.7 million contract. However, despite the financial commitment, his on-court impact was limited.
Over two seasons, Livingston appeared in just 42 games for Milwaukee, averaging 1.3 points and 1.3 rebounds per game while shooting 40.8% from the field. He split those appearances evenly between his rookie and sophomore campaigns, playing 21 games each season. At 6-foot-6 and 220 pounds, he showed strength and defensive potential but struggled to find consistency offensively, especially as an outside shooter — a key weakness in today’s NBA spacing-oriented systems.
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Why the Bucks Decided to Move On
The decision to part ways with Livingston stemmed from multiple factors. One major reason was the Bucks’ roster crunch heading into the season. With the addition of Myles Turner earlier in the offseason and the strong preseason play from guards like Andre Jackson Jr. and forward Amir Coffey, the Bucks were forced to prioritize positional needs and salary flexibility.
Andre Jackson Jr., who had his guarantee date pushed back to Oct. 20, now stands to benefit most from Livingston’s departure. His contract is partially guaranteed at $800,000, which will increase to $2.2 million if he secures a roster spot. According to salary cap expert Keith Smith of Spotrac, Milwaukee will absorb $2.3 million in dead money from waiving Livingston but remains roughly $13.8 million under the luxury tax threshold.
This financial breathing room allows the team to maintain depth while keeping flexibility for midseason moves — a crucial advantage for a franchise with championship aspirations.
Amir Coffey’s Rise and Roster Implications
Veteran forward Amir Coffey has been a standout story for Milwaukee this preseason. After spending his first six seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers, Coffey joined the Bucks on a non-guaranteed training camp deal. His versatility, defensive reliability, and veteran presence have caught the eye of Doc Rivers, who previously coached him in Los Angeles.
With Livingston out, Coffey now has a legitimate chance to secure a guaranteed roster spot. However, the Bucks will still need to finalize one more move before opening night to stay compliant with roster regulations. The decision will likely come down to balancing long-term development with immediate contribution — something Rivers and the front office must weigh carefully.
What’s Next for Chris Livingston?
Despite being waived, Chris Livingston’s NBA journey may not be over. Given his age, athleticism, and former five-star recruit status from his University of Kentucky days, he remains a player with untapped potential. Several teams in rebuilding phases could view him as a worthwhile developmental project.
If no team claims him off waivers, the Bucks could try to retain his rights through their G League affiliate, the Wisconsin Herd. This would allow Livingston to continue honing his skills within the organization while staying ready for another NBA opportunity.
Livingston’s departure marks the end of a brief but notable chapter in Milwaukee. Though his time was short, it underscores how competitive NBA roster spots have become — even for talented young prospects.
Bucks Still Poised for a Strong Season
While the loss of Livingston may draw attention, the Milwaukee Bucks remain a top contender in the Eastern Conference. Led by Giannis Antetokounmpo and newly acquired center Myles Turner, the team looks to rebound after a first-round playoff exit against the Indiana Pacers last season.
The Bucks’ front office continues to refine the roster to ensure both financial stability and competitive balance. With experienced players like Damian Lillard, Khris Middleton, and Turner joining Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee still boasts one of the deepest rotations in the league heading into the 2025-26 season.