Bucks Cut Ties With Former UConn Champion After Declining His Team Option

The Milwaukee Bucks made a quiet but meaningful roster move on Monday. They declined Andre Jackson Jr.’s $2.4 million team option for the 2026-27 season, sending the 24-year-old guard into unrestricted free agency. The decision means Jackson will hit the open market rather than staying locked into Milwaukee’s bench for another year.

Jackson came into the league with real buzz after helping UConn win the 2023 national title. He brought energy, athleticism and defensive versatility that made him an intriguing second-round pickup. The Orlando Magic drafted him 36th overall in 2023 before shipping him to Milwaukee on draft night. But things never really clicked in a consistent way.

His second season was a step back. Jackson appeared in 48 games but averaged just 2.4 points and 1.5 rebounds in 8.5 minutes per night. He fell out of the regular rotation and couldn’t carve out a reliable role. That made Monday’s call less surprising, especially with the Bucks retooling under new head coach Taylor Jenkins and re-evaluating every developmental slot on the roster.

The move was first reported by The Athletic’s Eric Nehm, with ClutchPoints senior NBA reporter Brett Siegel later confirming the details. Siegel posted on X that the Bucks declined Jackson’s option, making him an unrestricted free agent. No word yet on whether the team has any interest in bringing him back on a different deal.

This gives Milwaukee more flexibility heading into free agency, which officially opens Tuesday. It also lets Jackson test the market and find a team that might actually use him. His defensive tools and transition ability still have value as a low-cost developmental piece. Some team looking for raw athleticism and a championship pedigree could take a flier on him.

For the Bucks, this is another small step in a bigger transition. For Jackson, it’s a fresh start after a frustrating stint in Milwaukee where he never really got a long enough look. He’ll have to prove that his college success and defensive potential can translate somewhere. But if the right situation comes along, there’s still a player there worth investing in.