The Milwaukee Bucks' first two moves of free agency included handing new deals to two forwards, which put a blinding spotlight on Pete Nance. With a non-guaranteed deal and a roster already filled to the brim, it felt like only a matter of time before he was let go. Indeed, per the NBA transaction log, Milwaukee has waived Nance, letting him go despite a strong season.
Nance parts Milwaukee after solid 2025-26
In a season that was hard to stomach from start to finish, Pete Nance was one of the few bright spots for the Milwaukee Bucks. With so much of the frontcourt, including Giannis Antetokounmpo, banged up at various points, Nance played the most prominent role of his career, appearing in 47 games—he had 21 total appearances in his first two seasons combined.
During his action, Nance didn't light up the stat sheet, but he excelled in his role. If the team needed a rebound, he would chase it. If they needed a 3-pointer, he would heave it. If they needed a—well, you get it. He was the type of versatile, do-it-all role player that every team would love to have. It felt like he had more to give, but it will not be coming in Milwaukee... at least for the time being.
Nance could stick around in some capacity
While the Milwaukee Bucks waived Nance, he is currently still slated to play for the Summer League squad. He's still in the organization. If he impresses there, it wouldn't be shocking if they kept him on the payroll in some capacity. Nance does have another year of eligibility as a two-way player, which could be useful, but he could also stick around in the G League with the Wisconsin Herd.
After handing new deals to Ousmane Dieng and Bogoljub Markovic, as well as having Myles Turner, Kel'el Ware, Jericho Sims, and Kyle Kuzma on the books, it was always a long shot that Nance would have his deal guaranteed. That's the business. However, his story does not have to end here. He still has an opportunity in front of him, and it all starts with impressing in Summer League.
At 26, the forward isn't as young or potential-filled as some of Milwaukee's other new pieces, but he has "solid center depth" written all over him. The Bucks certainly shouldn't discard him entirely.
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