Roster Moves, Draft Regrets, and New Podcasts: Bucks and NBA Updates

Milwaukee is actively working to trim their roster down to 15 players. Jake Fischer shared insights that the Bucks are exploring trade options to ease this situation, as highlighted in recent reports from The Stein Line and The Feed.

Bucks and Lakers Trade Talks

The Bucks and Lakers have discussed a possible trade involving Dalton Knecht moving to Milwaukee with a second-round pick heading to Los Angeles in exchange for Jericho Sims. Despite interest, there is some doubt whether this deal will happen. The Lakers have considered Sims before and previously valued him around an early-to-mid second-round pick, but it seems his worth might be higher now.

If no trade happens, the Lakers might waive Knecht before Monday’s deadline. Since Knecht's $4.2 million salary is guaranteed for the 2026-27 season, waiving him would mean absorbing that cost.

Additionally, Sims is being watched by the Philadelphia 76ers after their backup center, Ariel Hukporti, suffered a torn Achilles during preseason.

Possible Deals Around LeVert and Porter Jr.

Milwaukee is also considering trades involving Caris LeVert and Kevin Porter Jr., alongside potential moves for Sims, aiming to avoid cutting players outright. The Bucks want to keep fan-favorite Pete Nance, understanding that waiving him risks losing him to another team instead of securing him on a two-way contract.

Draft Disappointments Continue

Another draft story adds to the woes linked to Jon Horst’s picks. Last year, Washington Wizards wing Kyshawn George revealed surprise that the Bucks passed on him at pick 23 in the 2024 draft despite positive workouts.

This year, OKC Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell shared on the same podcast that Milwaukee showed real interest in him before the draft. His sister lives in Wisconsin, making a Bucks selection seem likely. Instead, Milwaukee picked AJ Johnson at 23. The Bucks had the 33rd pick but chose Tyler Smith rather than Mitchell, who went at 38. Horst had two chances to take Mitchell and missed both.

There’s more: back in the 2022 draft, the Bucks nearly selected between Andrew Nembhard and MarJon Beauchamp at pick 24, ultimately going with Beauchamp, who didn’t pan out as hoped.

Kyle Kuzma Launches Podcast

Adding to the buzz, Kyle Kuzma has started a new podcast called Read the Room. He plans to chat with founders, investors, athletes, and creatives about bold decisions, pivots, and lessons learned along the way.