The Milwaukee Bucks made the shocking move of waiving Cam Thomas on Monday night to sign Pete Nance to a multi-year contract, something that even Ryan Rollins didn't earn from the Bucks. When Rollins earned his promotion from two-way player to standard rostered player, his deal was just until the end of the season.
Pete Nance earned his spot with the Bucks
Milwaukee had to decide on Nance, with him hitting the limit for NBA games as a player on a two-way deal. There is no surprise with the Bucks keeping him around, but waiving Thomas is the bigger story here, with him clearly ahead of others on the depth chart.
Nance has featured in 37 games this season, averaging 4.5 points and 2.2 rebounds whilst shooting 56.4 percent from the field and 47.9 percent from deep.
Since mid-January, he has been an ever-present in the rotation, with Doc Rivers clearly liking the versatility and athleticism he brings to the lineup. His ability to play at the five, or on the wing, has been a positive for a Bucks team that has struggled this season.
The finances haven't been revealed, but a multi-year deal shows the Bucks have faith in him moving forward. It will likely be a cheap deal that helps a team that has found it tough financially in recent years to find good players on team-friendly deals. It is a win-win for both sides.
Nance and Rollins can be building blocks moving forward
Rollins has developed into a serious Most Improved Player candidate, and Nance likely won't have the same jump next season. There is plenty of potential as a player and for the team. As a duo, they can work really well, with Nance's ability to defend multiple positions and stretch the floor, while Rollins continues to facilitate and be the team's lead guard.
This move also allows the Bucks some flexibility in the summer should they want to make any trades. The future of Giannis Antetokounmpo will always be in the rumor mill until a decision is made, but Bobby Portis is a name that always crops up in mock trades. Nance's signing would at least give the Bucks a solid replacement should they want to move on from Portis or Myles Turner to restructure the roster elsewhere.
Nance is fully deserving of this deal, with him being a bright spot in a pretty miserable season for the Bucks. He and Rollins can be building blocks for the team moving forward. He is a really solid rotation option in the frontcourt, and the deal is brilliant for both sides.