Milwaukee Bucks Waive Cam Thomas, Sign Pete Nance to Multi-Year Deal

On March 24, 2026, the Milwaukee Bucks made a notable roster decision by requesting waivers on guard Cam Thomas and converting forward/center Pete Nance from a two-way deal to a multi-year standard NBA contract.

This move comes after a tumultuous season for Thomas, who had shown early promise but saw his role diminish significantly. The 24-year-old guard had been signed by the Bucks on February 8, 2026, after being waived by the Brooklyn Nets. During his brief stint with Milwaukee, he made an impressive debut, scoring 34 points during a 116-108 victory against the Orlando Magic. Just nine days later, he followed that performance with 27 points against the New Orleans Pelicans, raising hopes for his potential impact on the team.

Unfortunately, Thomas's role began to wane after those initial games. He did not see any playing time during back-to-back games against the Indiana Pacers and the Cleveland Cavaliers the week prior to the waiver request, indicating a shift away from the expectations set during his first appearances.

Head coach Doc Rivers addressed the decision to waive Thomas, stating, "We ran out of bodies, and at the end of the day, there were guys you had to make a decision on. I thought Cam was really good, and he may be somebody we revisit. Just where we're at right now, you know, not really being the hunt, we thought it was the right thing to do for the rest of the guys right now." Rivers' comments suggest a recognition of Thomas's potential, but also a pragmatic approach to the current needs of the team.

Meanwhile, Pete Nance, who is also 26 years old, had been averaging 4.5 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 12.1 minutes over 37 games during his time on a two-way deal. His conversion to a standard contract reflects the Bucks' strategy to solidify their roster and provide stability moving forward.

Nance's performance, though modest, has been consistent enough to earn him a more permanent role within the team. The Bucks are clearly banking on his ability to contribute positively, especially considering the fluctuations they have experienced this season.

This season has been particularly challenging for Thomas, who had previously demonstrated his scoring ability with an average of 22.5 points per game during the 2023-24 season and 24 points per game the following year with the Nets. Before his release, he was averaging 15.6 points over 24 games with Brooklyn this season, illustrating that he has the capability to be a high-impact player when utilized properly.

After joining the Bucks, Thomas's average dipped to 10.7 points and 16.6 minutes per game over 18 appearances. These statistics indicate that, even though he had a strong start, he struggled to maintain that level of performance consistently.

The decision to waive Thomas and retain Nance reflects the Bucks' current strategy of prioritizing players who can contribute effectively to their goals. With the team not fully engaged with playoff contention, management is making calculated moves to optimize their roster for the future.

Thomas's future remains uncertain, but Rivers's remarks hint at the possibility of a return should circumstances change. The Bucks may find themselves needing additional depth or scoring options down the line, especially if injuries or performance issues arise among their current roster.

For Nance, this transition to a multi-year contract could provide him with the opportunity to solidify his place within the team and contribute more significantly. His statistics, albeit modest, indicate potential for growth, particularly if he receives increased playing time and responsibility.

The Bucks will be hoping that these changes will help them navigate the remainder of the season more effectively. The team's management is clearly focused on building a roster that can adapt to the challenges of the NBA season, and these recent decisions are part of that broader strategy.

With the playoffs approaching, every decision made now will play a role for the immediate future and for the long-term direction of the franchise. The Bucks are clearly committed to creating a competitive environment, and how they manage their roster will be a key factor moving forward.

Fans will be watching closely to see how these roster changes impact the team's performance. Will Thomas find his way back to the court with the Bucks, or will he continue to seek opportunities elsewhere? For now, the focus shifts to Nance and how he can capitalize on this chance to prove his worth on a more permanent basis.

Time will tell how these decisions will shape the Bucks' season, but one thing is clear: the stakes are high, and every game counts.