Looks like the Nets made the choice on the last roster spot by waiving G Kobe Bufkin while retaining Tyrese Martin and Jalen Wilson. Brooklyn now has 15 players on standard contracts, but have 1 Two-Way spot to fill so time will tell who gets that spot. Could be Grant Nelson. https://t.co/b4E5u2IVWB

— Sharif Phillips-Keaton (@SharifKeaton) October 19, 2025

The Brooklyn Nets made an interesting move on Sunday when they announced that they would be waiving guard Kobe Bufkin after trading for him during this past offseason. Brooklyn acquired Bufkin from the Atlanta Hawks via trade in exchange for cash considerations that amounted to $110,000, potentially showing how eager the Hawks were to move on from him.

Bufkin came into training camp with the goal of working his way into head coach Jordi Fernandez’s rotation so that he could show more than he did during his time in Atlanta backing up Trae Young. Bufkin, who had dealt with injuries during his first two seasons in the NBA, was happy to communicate that he was fully healthy and ready to go, but it seems that general manager Sean Marks and company wanted to go in a different direction.

Brooklyn is entering the 2025-26 season with an entirely new rotation at the point guard spot comprised of rookies that they selected in the 2025 NBA Draft. There was some thought that Bufkin could factor into the rotation as a player who could spend time at the point guard position as well as shooting guard, but the Nets thought they had better options outside of Bufkin.

Here’s how social media reacted to the Nets waiving Bufkin ahead of the 2025-26 regular season:

Nets AnnouncementSocial Media Reaction

Absolutely gutted for Kobe Bufkin

Has had a series of injuries and has struggled to get his feet under him since then

Even still, there’s been plenty of promise and flash and I’m sure he’ll be scooped up as a flier somewhere pic.twitter.com/Z5KgjoKfkE https://t.co/XIdMZAPnUw

— Point Made Basketball (@pointmadebball) October 19, 2025Social Media Reaction

Kobe Bufkin and Tyler Smith being waived is pretty wild. Throw in Nick Smith and Dariq Whitehead and first round pick and young guys are not getting a long leash these days

— Josh Lloyd (@redrock_bball) October 19, 2025Social Media Reaction

Kobe Bufkin not even being able to make the Nets roster is tough.

Still feels like we never really got to see him have much of a chance, he had combo guard/jack of all trades – master of none -isms as a prospect, but the Injuries really screwed him up.

— Jonah (@Huncho_Jman) October 19, 2025Social Media Reaction

Onsi Saleh knew what he was doing. If you cant make the Nets roster then you ain’t good. Kobe Bufkin is gonna be spending alot of time in the GLeague

— Reg (@REGGIES_WORLD) October 19, 2025Social Media Reaction

Sean Marks really gave the final two roster spots to Jalen Wilson and Tyrese fucking Martin over Dariq Whitehead and Kobe Bufkin…

MALPRACTICE. PATHETIC. #NetsWorld

— NetsPress (@NetsPressIG) October 19, 2025Social Media Reaction

So the only reason Sean Marks traded for Bufkin wasn’t to give him a chance to compete for a roster spot but just to waive his salary to meet the minimum floor 👀 🧐???

What a wasted opportunity keeping Jalen Wilson over Kobe Bufkin 🧐…. https://t.co/Uc8WMNaBSR

— EverythingBKNets(Jon) (@Os91413Jon) October 19, 2025Social Media Reaction

Acknowledged a surprise was possible.

Brooklyn opts to keep Jalen Wilson and Tyrese Martin over Kobe Bufkin. Highlights how much they believe in their rookie guards. https://t.co/nGzPhD7MOp

— Billy Reinhardt (@BillyReinhardt) October 19, 2025Social Media Reaction

Nope the less vets the better. Have we not learn anything from last year?

Mann and MPJ are already potential anti tank “factors” which is why I have a problem with Kobe Bufkin not on roster.

All I know is Highsmith better be traded by the deadline.

— Aces (@NealAces9915) October 19, 2025Social Media Reaction

I really thought Kobe Bufkin had a chance to win the backup job behind Egor Demin, as he was in position to get reps while Demin was out in the preseason. But there was no competition between Bufkin, Saraf (who won that spot IMO) and Traore. Don’t know where he goes from here. https://t.co/eygmsF9XgK

— Nathan Grubel (@DraftDeeper) October 19, 2025Social Media Reaction