TITLE: Bucks Hand Starting Point Guard Job to Kevin Porter Jr.; Warriors Land Al Horford; Knicks Weigh Malcolm Brogdon Decision
SLUG: nba-roster-moves-bucks-porter-warriors-horford-knicks-brogdon
CONTENT:
Milwaukee — Porter Gets the Ball
Head coach Doc Rivers confirmed Kevin Porter Jr. will open the season as the Bucks’ starting point guard following Damian Lillard’s departure. Speaking with reporters, Rivers called the assignment “a huge responsibility,” noting Porter must balance playmaking with his natural scoring instincts.
“He started out as a high draft pick … he could literally take any shot and he did,” Rivers said. “Now he comes from not playing at times, coming off the bench, being out of the league, to now back to starting.”
Porter, 24, missed the 2023-24 campaign after a domestic-violence incident but returned last season with the Clippers and was traded to Milwaukee at the deadline. In 30 regular-season games with the Bucks he averaged 11.7 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 19.9 minutes while shooting 49.4 percent from the field, 40.8 percent from three and 87.1 percent at the line.
Golden State — Horford Heads West
The Warriors have signed veteran center Al Horford to a two-year contract worth the taxpayer mid-level exception, including a player option for 2026-27. ESPN’s Shams Charania first reported the agreement on Sept. 28 and added that Horford is expected to start at center as he begins his 19th NBA season.
Golden State targeted Horford early in free agency, according to ESPN’s Anthony Slater, and finalized the deal just before training camp. Multiple reports said the 39-year-old’s decision to leave Boston was influenced by Jayson Tatum’s torn Achilles along with the exits of Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porziņģis. Horford, who won a title with the Celtics in 2024, posted a thank-you message to Boston fans on social media.
Charania reported the Warriors view Horford’s size, passing, defense and floor spacing as a clean fit alongside Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green. Horford had considered retirement before choosing Golden State.
Golden State also reached a two-year minimum-salary agreement with guard DeAnthony Melton, who holds a player option for the second season. Melton is rehabbing an ACL tear and is expected to miss the start of 2025-26.
Shooter Seth Curry accepted an Exhibit 9 contract. With the Warriors pressed against the second tax apron, Curry is expected to be waived before opening night and could rejoin the club midseason if cap space becomes available. The signings give Golden State the maximum 21 players for training camp.
New York — Brogdon Betting on Roster Spot
Guard Malcolm Brogdon told the New York Post he expects not only to secure a place on the Knicks’ regular-season roster but also to earn minutes under new head coach Mike Brown. Brogdon cited his versatility as a reason he can fit “anywhere” in the rotation.
A separate report indicated the Knicks are leaning toward retaining both Brogdon and Landry Shamet. Keeping both veterans would require a trade to create roster space before the start of the season.
Source: Hoops Wire
