Bucks' next move after Cam Thomas signing is painfully clear

Signing Cam Thomas for the remainder of the season fills the final, previously open spot on the Milwaukee Bucks' roster. Before the news of the Thomas signing broke, that slot seemed a decent bet to be reserved for Pete Nance, who has impressed on a two-way contract. Now what?

Nance still needs a spot on the standard roster in order to be available for all remaining games and potentially the playoffs. More than that, he's earned it. 

Rewarding Nance for a strong performance, however, would mean cutting someone else on the team. That would be rough luck for the unfortunate player, but the Bucks haven't left themselves many options by adding Thomas. They have until March 4, the deadline for converting two-way contracts, to figure out a resolution. 

Thomas addition complicates process of securing spot for Nance

There are multiple reasons to convert Nance from a two-way to a standard contract. Two-way stipulations limit him to 50 active games in a season. He has appeared in 20 so far and been active nine other times. The Bucks have 30 regular-season games left and Nance has become a regular contributor in the rotation. There's no reason not to play him. 

Playing on a two-way contract would also bar him from participating if Milwaukee were to fight its way into the playoffs.

It makes sense as well simply to show Nance and his camp that the Bucks are committed to him as a piece of their future. Signing Nance to a multi-year standard deal would prevent him from becoming a free agent at season's end. With what he has shown this year, he looks like a keeper. 

While his season stats don't jump off the page, Nance has demonstrated maturity, savvy, and hustle on both ends of the court. Over his last five games, he is averaging 11.2 points and 4.4 rebounds in 20 minutes per contest. He is shooting 63.9 percent from the field and 52.6 percent on threes (10-for-19). Having his spot secured on the 15-man unit is a reward he has earned. 

The Bucks have hit on two-way players in the recent past, including breakout star Ryan Rollins. They have every reason to make Nance their latest success story. 

With Thomas in the mix, though, making room for Nance is no longer as simple as handing him the last open spot. There isn't one. Instead, the Bucks would have to waive a currently rostered player. Unfortunately, Andre Jackson Jr. is once again an obvious choice; unexpectedly capturing a spot in the preseason may be as far as his happy ending goes in Milwaukee. Despite that vote of competence, he has not carved out a role in the rotation. 

Jackson also makes sense from a practical point of view. Because he only has a team option for next season, the Bucks could waive him with financial impunity. They would only owe him the remainder of his salary for this season. 

Aside from Thomas, Thanasis Antetokounmpo and trade pickup Ousmane Dieng are Milwaukee's only expiring contracts. Thanasis isn't going anywhere and Dieng is worth a look. Everyone else has at least a player option for 2026-27. To clear a spot for Nance, waiving Jackson just makes too much sense.