Sports

Former Marquette Star Kam Jones Joins Milwaukee Bucks on Two-Way Deal

Former Marquette basketball star Kam Jones is set to return to Milwaukee after agreeing to a two-way contract with the Bucks. This development follows a busy period for the 24-year-old, who experienced a trade and a subsequent waiver earlier this summer. Jones, a familiar figure to local basketball enthusiasts due to his successful collegiate career, will now have the opportunity to develop within the Bucks organization, utilizing the flexibility offered by a two-way deal.

The agreement was confirmed by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on July 4th. Jones's path to the Bucks has been anything but straightforward. He began his rookie season (2025-26) with the Indiana Pacers but faced an injury setback that delayed his debut until December 22nd. During his time with the Pacers, he participated in 37 games, contributing an average of 4.4 points and 3.2 assists.

His journey took a turn during the recent NBA draft on June 24th when the Pacers sent him to the Chicago Bulls in exchange for the rights to former Purdue star Braden Smith. However, his tenure with the Bulls was short-lived, as he was waived just days after the trade. This sudden availability paved the way for the Milwaukee Bucks to secure his services, filling one of their three allotted two-way contract slots.

Jones holds a special place in the hearts of Milwaukee basketball fans, having spent four seasons with Marquette University. During his collegiate career, he left a significant mark, graduating as the program's second all-time leading scorer. His deep connection to the local basketball scene makes this return particularly noteworthy, offering him a chance to thrive in a familiar environment.

Two-way contracts are a strategic tool in the NBA, enabling players to move between the primary NBA team and its G League affiliate. For Jones, this means he can shuttle between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Wisconsin Herd, their G League counterpart located in Oshkosh. Such contracts typically limit a player to a maximum of 50 NBA games per season and render them ineligible for postseason play with the main roster. This structure provides a crucial pathway for developing talent, allowing players like Jones to gain valuable experience and hone their skills at both professional levels.

Kam Jones's signing with the Milwaukee Bucks on a two-way contract signals a new chapter in his professional basketball career, bringing him back to a city where he is already a celebrated athlete. This opportunity allows him to further develop his game, contributing to both the Bucks and their G League affiliate, the Wisconsin Herd, as he seeks to solidify his place in the NBA.