The Milwaukee Bucks are facing a crucial decision as the March 4 deadline approaches: whether to convert Pete Nance's two-way contract to a standard NBA deal. This move would require cutting someone from the 15-man roster, with Andre Jackson Jr. as the likely candidate given his reduced playing time this season and a looming team option next year.
Nance has certainly made a compelling case for himself. Over his last 11 games, he's consistently logged between 15 and 30 minutes, scoring in double figures five times. His performance has turned his contract status into a hot topic among Bucks fans.
There are several reasons why upgrading Nance to a standard contract makes sense. Under his current two-way deal, he can only be active for 50 games and is ineligible for the playoffs.
With only 18 active designations left and 29 games remaining, his availability could be limited when it matters most. Securing Nance with a multi-year deal would also prevent him from entering restricted free agency, where other teams could make offers.
However, the situation is complicated. Ousmane Dieng's emergence and Giannis Antetokounmpo's impending return could limit Nance's opportunities. The Bucks must weigh whether promoting Nance is worth potentially losing Jackson.
For Jackson, the season has been challenging. After starting 43 games last season, he hasn't started any this year and is averaging career-low minutes and just 1.5 points per game. His shooting has struggled, hitting only 5-of-26 from beyond the arc, and despite his defensive prowess, he's found himself low on the depth chart.
The Bucks must decide if Jackson's $2.4 million team option for 2026-27 offers enough flexibility to keep him around. But given his current role, that seems unlikely. It was surprising to some that he made the roster out of training camp, and now he's playing on borrowed time.
Nance, meanwhile, is proving himself as a potential key piece for the future. Many Bucks fans are eager for the team to elevate him from his two-way status.
The decision is imminent. Whether the Bucks choose to end Jackson's tenure and begin a new chapter with Nance, the clock is ticking, and a resolution is just around the corner.