The NBA’s league-wide salary guarantee deadline has arrived, forcing teams across the league to make difficult roster decisions. In a surprising move tied directly to that deadline, the Milwaukee Bucks have waived guard Mark Sears, a former college superstar who entered the league with significant expectations. The decision, confirmed by the NBA’s official transaction log, has raised eyebrows given Sears’ production in limited opportunities and the timing of the move.
Sears, a left-handed point guard, was one of the most decorated players in college basketball during his time at Alabama, earning All-American honors as a lethal scorer and dependable playmaker. The Bucks signed him to a two-way contract over the summer, viewing him as a developmental guard who could provide shooting and ball-handling depth behind their established rotation.
Despite limited NBA opportunities, Sears made a strong impression when he did see the floor. He appeared in just seven games for Milwaukee, logging a total of 26 minutes, but managed to score 22 points in that span—an impressive return that highlighted his shooting touch and confidence. While the sample size was small, it suggested Sears was capable of contributing offensively at the NBA level if given a larger role.
Sears spent most of his season with the Wisconsin Herd in the G League, where he played 12 games and averaged 16.2 points per contest. His G League production reinforced the idea that he was progressing steadily, making the timing of his release all the more controversial. Rather than cutting a struggling or unproductive player, the Bucks opted to part ways with a guard who appeared to be trending upward.
The move leaves Milwaukee as one of only three teams in the league with an open two-way contract slot, a strategic wrinkle that may explain the decision. As other franchises finalize their rosters ahead of the guarantee deadline, the Bucks could be positioning themselves to pounce on another waived player they believe is a better fit for their immediate needs or long-term plans.
Still, cutting ties with a recent All-American who showed flashes of NBA readiness is an unconventional and risky choice. Whether this gamble pays off will depend on how Milwaukee uses that newly opened two-way slot—and whether Mark Sears quickly finds a new home elsewhere in the league.
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