Magic Deal Blow to Bucks on Saturday With Latest Move originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
NBA Free Agency is in full swing, and teams are making serious moves to reshape their futures. While some squads are stacking up talent and building momentum, others, like the Milwaukee Bucks, are facing more uncertainty than they’d hoped for. With minimal major signings and a few key changes, it is definitely a dream Bucks didn’t expect in offseason.
The Bucks have already waived young forward Chris Livingston, signaling a shift in priorities. They did re-sign Kevin Porter Jr., who’s expected to take over starting point guard duties, but fans remain skeptical. The roster shuffle continues, but Saturday brought another blow, this time from the Orlando Magic.
According to NBA Insider Marc Stein, longtime Bucks assistant coach Joe Prunty is heading to Orlando to join Jamahl Mosley’s growing staff. He’ll be joined by the legendary God Shammgod in what’s turning into one of the league’s most exciting assistant lineups.
“Orlando is indeed adding Bucks assistant Joe Prunty as well as God Shammgod,” Stein reported.
Prunty has had two different stints with the Bucks, dating back to 2014. He even served as interim head coach in 2018, leading the team to a competitive seven-game playoff series. Well-regarded by fans and players alike, his departure leaves a leadership void on Doc Rivers’ staff.
Joe Prunty is back.
I’m sure Giannis is happy 😂 pic.twitter.com/eXbeBpTNSV
— Nathan Marzion (@nathanmarzion) June 8, 2023
But Milwaukee may already have a replacement in mind. Rajon Rondo, who spent last season as a guest coach, is reportedly a strong candidate to join the coaching staff full-time. Doc Rivers once called Rondo “the smartest player he’s ever coached,” and his presence could be crucial in developing the Bucks’ young backcourt.
I’m told the Bucks’ Joe Prunty has emerged as a strong candidate to join Orlando’s coaching staff.
Prunty has been interim HC in Atlanta and Milwaukee and worked for five other teams after starting out in San Antonio as @SInow illustrated below.
More: https://t.co/7Tm4BxO5E8pic.twitter.com/ORx4fggVVN
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 5, 2025
Meanwhile, the Magic are having a standout offseason, adding Desmond Bane, Tyus Jones, and two promising rookies Jase Richardson and Noah Penda while now boosting their sideline game with elite minds like Prunty.
Related: Bucks Pushing to Pair Former $120 Million Star With Giannis Antetokounmpo
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 6, 2025, where it first appeared.