NBA futures are uncertain for these former Kentucky standouts after offseason roster moves.
Two former Kentucky Wildcats are back on the market after being waived by their respective NBA teams.
On Thursday, the New Orleans Pelicans posted on Twitter that they waived guard Antonio Reeves. A two-year Kentucky standout from 2022-24, Reeves was selected 47th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft and averaged 6.9 points and 1.4 rebounds across 44 games during his rookie season. He had a breakout performance in November, scoring a career-high 34 points against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Despite signing a three-year, $5 million deal, Reeves’ contract included a team option, and with front office changes in New Orleans, the team chose not to guarantee his $1.96 million salary for the 2025-26 season. Reeves had spent much of the season with the Birmingham Squadron in the G League before finishing strong in the Pelicans’ final 12 games, averaging 14 points on efficient shooting.
Meanwhile, according to the NBA’s official website, the Milwaukee Bucks waived forward Chris Livingston, the 58th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. Livingston averaged 1.4 points and 1.7 rebounds in 21 games this past season and had a non-guaranteed $2.22 million deal that would have triggered on July 15. He also played significant minutes with the Wisconsin Herd in the G League, including a 25-point outing in January.
Now, both Reeves and Livingston are free agents seeking new opportunities in the NBA. With strong college careers and flashes of pro potential, the Big Blue Nation will be watching to see where these former Wildcats land next.