The Milwaukee Bucks are actively considering trades involving veterans Caris LeVert and Kevin Porter Jr. to solve a roster crunch and keep forward Pete Nance. This news comes as the team finalizes its lineup following a preseason that included a 128-127 win over the Indiana Pacers on October 16.
With the NBA's opening week approaching, the Bucks must trim their roster to the league-mandated 15 players. Head coach Taylor Jenkins is overseeing a shift toward younger talent, creating a logjam for veteran spots. The front office wants to avoid simply releasing players under contract, which would mean losing them for nothing. Trading established players is seen as a better path to manage the roster effectively.
Sources indicate the organization is determined to find a way to keep forward Pete Nance. Nance, who is on a non-guaranteed deal, could be claimed by another team if the Bucks waive him. The ideal scenario involves creating a spot so he can be signed to a two-way contract. This would allow Milwaukee to develop his skills while maintaining roster flexibility. Keeping Nance aligns with the team's broader youth movement under Jenkins.
Caris LeVert appears to be the most likely candidate for a trade. Analyst Brett Siegel noted LeVert could be "the odd man out" unless a deal is found. LeVert is a proven scorer who averaged solid numbers off the bench for the Detroit Pistons last season and could help a contender. The Bucks have also weighed potential deals involving Kevin Porter Jr. Moving either player would open a necessary roster slot and potentially bring back a future asset.
The trade deliberations occur against the backdrop of Milwaukee's preseason schedule. Their last outing was a narrow 128-127 victory over the Pacers. Other results 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 beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 128-126 on October 7 after opening preseason with a 116-97 loss to Minnesota. These games have given the coaching staff a final look at players before making cuts.
The clock is ticking for General Manager Jon Horst to make a move. The next fixture is an away game against the Washington Wizards on October 21, which marks the start of the regular season. Final roster decisions must be made before then. If a trade isn't secured, the Bucks may be forced to waive a player like Nance, risking his departure. The coming days will be decisive for the team's final composition as they aim to build a balanced group for the 2026-27 campaign.
