Bucks Waive Cam Thomas to Facilitate Pete Nance Standard Contract Conversion

The Milwaukee Bucks officially waived guard Cam Thomas to create the roster space required to sign forward Pete Nance to a standard NBA contract.

The Milwaukee Bucks officially waived guard Cam Thomas on Friday, a transaction designed to facilitate the conversion of forward Pete Nance’s contract to a standard NBA deal. This roster adjustment leaves the team with 15 players on standard contracts, meeting the league-mandated limit for active rosters. By releasing Thomas, the front office successfully cleared the necessary space to secure Nance’s long-term status within the organization. The move was finalized ahead of the team’s upcoming schedule, ensuring the depth chart is set for the next phase of the season.

Pete Nance, a 6-foot-10 forward, had previously been operating under a two-way agreement before this promotion. During his tenure with the Wisconsin Herd, the Bucks' G League affiliate, he averaged 13.6 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game across 29 appearances. His shooting efficiency stood out, as he converted 47.3% of his field goal attempts and 34.2% from beyond the arc. These statistical contributions in the developmental league served as the primary catalyst for the front office’s decision to offer him a permanent spot on the professional roster.

Cam Thomas, the 22-year-old guard who was released, had joined the Bucks on an Exhibit 10 contract during the offseason. His departure marks the end of a brief stint where he sought to break into the rotation of a championship-contending backcourt. The waiver process allows other NBA franchises to claim his rights within a 48-hour window; if he clears waivers, he will become an unrestricted free agent. This administrative maneuver highlights the volatile nature of bottom-of-the-roster spots where positional needs often dictate personnel longevity.

The strategic shift from a guard to a forward reflects Milwaukee's desire to bolster their frontcourt versatility. Nance provides defensive length and the ability to stretch the floor, qualities that align with the system implemented by the coaching staff. His transition to a standard contract means he is now eligible for postseason play, a critical factor for a team currently positioned near the top of the Eastern Conference standings. The financial terms of the new agreement follow the standard rookie scale or veteran minimum structures typically utilized for mid-season conversions.

With this transaction complete, the Bucks now have an open two-way contract slot available to fill. League rules permit three two-way players who can split time between the NBA and the G League, and Nance’s elevation creates a vacancy that the scouting department will likely address shortly. The current roster features a blend of veteran leadership and developmental talent, with Nance now firmly entrenched in the latter category under his new contractual status. This series of moves ensures that the 15-man unit is optimized for the physical demands of the remaining regular-season games.