Cormac Ryan is expected to be part of the Milwaukee Bucks organization when the season starts, even though he won’t be part of the 18-man roster.
Ryan signed an Exhibit 10 contract with Milwaukee on September 10. However, if the 26-year-old didn’t make the Bucks roster, he would have likely returned to the G-League’s Oklahoma City Blue. The Blue, an affiliate of the Oklahoma City Thunder, owned Ryan’s returning player rights. However, that changed on Monday.
According to Oklahoma City Thunder beat reporter Rylan Stiles, the Blue traded his rights to the Bucks’ G-League affiliate, Wisconsin Herd. In exchange, the Herd sent the Thunder a 2026 first-round pick and the returning player rights to Steven Richardson.
Bucks Sharpshooting Training Camp Addition Projects To Remain With Organization
Ryan went undrafted in 2024, following a six-season college career at UNC. He also played at Stanford and the University of Notre Dame.
Ryan joined Oklahoma City during the summer league in 2024 and then signed an Exhibit 10 deal with the Thunder in September, appearing in three preseason games. He then joined the Blue and played the entire season with the organization.
Ryan averaged 12.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in 37 games for the Blue. Ryan drained 2.2 threes a contest while shooting 41.8/38.4/97.0. He scored in double-figures 14 times and topped the 20-point mark on three occassions.
Ryan joined Milwaukee’s Las Vegas Summer League squad this year. The 26-year-old struggled shooting the ball and handling the ball during the summer, though he did score in double-figures in three of five games.
In five summer league games, Ryan compiled 11.6 points along with 2.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.2 steals. The 6-5 wing made 1.4 threes while shooting 32.6/25.0/91.7. His best game was in his first outing of the summer, with 18 points, on 6 of 11 shooting from the field and 3 of 6 from deep, and two assists in 22 minutes.
Ryan is a skilled player who is an excellent shooter and remarkably unselfish. Ryan, who is at his best moving without the ball, can score off the bounce and post smaller players. However, he runs hot and cold and struggles on the defensive end against quicker players.
Last Word
Ryan has an uphill battle to make the Bucks’ 18-man roster. So, expect him to start the season with the Herd.
Milwaukee’s training camp roster is set, as the Bucks have filled all 21 roster spots, including 16 players on standard deals. Therefore, the Bucks will have to make a roster decision at the start of the 2025-26 campaign. Andre Jackson Jr. appears to be the odd man out as the Bucks’ backcourt is super crowded.
Jackson Jr., known for his versatility and defense, really struggled offensively last season. And the Bucks added Cole Anthony and Gary Harris to the fold. Jackson Jr. is also the only player to have a partially guaranteed deal, though it becomes fully guaranteed on opening night. If Jackson Jr. can hang on to the last roster spot, waiving Chris Livingston or Tyler Smith looks like the following option for the Bucks.
The Bucks have also filled all three of their two-way spots. Jamaree Bouyea, a two-way point guard, has NBA experience and is assured of keeping his minor league spot. Pete Nance is the Bucks’ only big man on a minor league deal and has NBA experience, so he also should keep his place. Rookie Mark Sears, who went undrafted out of Alabama, would appear to be the most vulnerable player on the two-way deal, but the Bucks reportedly really like the 6-1 point guard.
Wiscon Herd Trades
Wisconsin has been quite active in making trades this offseason. The Herd have been part of five trades this offseason, acquiring six players. In addition to acquiring Ryan, the Herd has added Will Richardson, Lindell Wigginton, Jeremiah Tilmon, Kira Lewis Jr., and Aleem Ford via trades.
Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
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