The Bucks have added another young big to the mix, signing Johni Broome less than two weeks after he was waived by the Clippers, the team announced in a press release.
Broome, who turned 24 in September, entered the league as the 35th pick in the 2025 draft. His rookie season came in scattered bursts: he logged 11 NBA appearances for the Sixers, totaled 55 minutes, and finished with 10 points and 16 rebounds while going 4-of-24 from the field. Most of his first year was spent with Philadelphia’s G League affiliate, the Delaware Blue Coats, where he played in 26 games.
In Delaware, Broome put up 21.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.5 blocks in 32.8 minutes per game. That run was cut short in late February, when he underwent a partial meniscectomy to repair a lateral meniscus tear in his right knee. He later got back on the floor during the NBA playoffs, seeing garbage-time minutes in a pair of blowout losses to the Knicks in the second round.
His path to Milwaukee came after a cap-related move this summer. The Sixers dealt Broome to the Clippers along with a second-round pick, then L.A. waived him and stayed on the hook for his fully guaranteed $2.15MM salary for 2026/27.
Broome’s new deal with the Bucks is expected to be non-guaranteed. If it carries Exhibit 10 language, Milwaukee could convert it into a two-way contract before opening night, and the team does have an open two-way spot right now.
If Broome is waived before the regular season, the Bucks could also keep him in the organization as an affiliate player for the Wisconsin Herd. In that case, he would be eligible for a bonus worth up to $91K in addition to his standard NBAGL salary if he spends at least 60 days with the Herd.
Milwaukee also made room for Broome by waiving big man John Butler Jr. from its 21-man preseason roster. Butler, who suited up for the Bucks’ Summer League team in July, is expected to join the Herd this fall. He was on an Exhibit 10 contract that included a full $91K bonus.
Another Tuesday morning move came from Oklahoma City, where the Thunder waived guard Robert McCray V. McCray had been linked to an Exhibit 10 deal with the Lakers back in June, but that agreement was never finalized. He later signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Thunder and is expected to be an affiliate player for the OKC Blue this fall, with a $91K bonus available if he spends at least 60 days with the club.
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