The Milwaukee Bucks have officially signed forward Pete Nance to a two-way contract for the 2026-27 NBA season. This move brings the 26-year-old back to the roster after a brief stint in free agency, solidifying the team's depth as they continue their preseason schedule, which includes a recent 128-127 win over the Indiana Pacers on October 16.
Nance is a familiar face who earned his spot last season. He began the 2025-26 campaign on a two-way deal but played his way into a standard contract. Over 47 games, he put up averages of 5.4 points and 2.7 rebounds per game. His performance demonstrated his value as a versatile frontcourt option. "Just really excited about everything that's going on here," Nance said during training camp. "It's kind of a new era. Just building into something, establishing a culture. I'm excited to be a part of it."
The two-way contract structure allows Nance to be active for up to 50 games with the Bucks this season. He joins guards Cormac Ryan and Kam Jones as the team's maximum allotment of three two-way players. To create the necessary roster space for this move, the Bucks waived Kevin Porter Jr. on October 19, trimming their standard roster to the league maximum of 15 guaranteed contracts.
Milwaukee's front office made this transaction amidst a busy preseason slate. The team's exhibition games have been a mixed bag, providing context for roster decisions. Their last result was a narrow 128-127 victory against the Indiana Pacers on October 16. Other preseason contests included a 125-104 loss to the Chicago Bulls on October 14 and a 105-90 defeat to the Charlotte Hornets on October 11.
They also secured a 128-126 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on October 7 after opening their preseason with a 116-97 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 5. These games are helping the coaching staff evaluate rotations and finalize the squad ahead of the regular season.
The immediate focus shifts to the next preseason fixture, an away game against the Washington Wizards on October 21. Final roster decisions are being made, and securing Nance provides reliable depth at the forward position. His knowledge of the system from last year is a significant advantage. He doesn't require a long adjustment period and can contribute immediately when called upon.
This signing reflects a strategy of maintaining continuity with players who have proven they can contribute in Milwaukee's system. Nance's ability to stretch the floor and defend multiple positions aligns with modern NBA needs. The Bucks are betting on his continued development being a positive factor as they aim to build a cohesive unit for the challenges of the 2026-27 season.
