Former Northwestern Forward Pete Nance Earns Multi-Year Deal With Milwaukee Bucks

Former Northwestern standout Pete Nance converted his two-way contract into a multi-year standard deal with the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday, according to the team. The announcement came after the Bucks waived Cam Thomas, whom they signed less than two months ago.

Nance has seized his opportunity with Milwaukee, averaging 15.3 minutes since the start of February while posting 5.2 points on 56% shooting (48% from three-point range) with 2.7 rebounds. His efficient play and increased role earned him the promotion to a guaranteed standard contract, a significant milestone for a player who has navigated a winding professional journey.

Nance played for Northwestern from 2018 to 2022, developing into one of the program's standouts. The Akron, Ohio native averaged 14.6 points and 6.5 rebounds per game as a senior, earning All-Big Ten Honorable Mention honors. That season, he reached 1,000 career points, becoming the 38th player in program history to achieve the milestone.

After testing the waters in the 2022 NBA Draft, Nance ultimately returned to college, transferring to North Carolina. He was granted an extra year of eligibility by the NCAA due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During his final collegiate season with the Tar Heels, Nance averaged 10.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.1 blocks. However, UNC finished 19-12 and fell short in the ACC Tournament's second round against Virginia, missing the NCAA Tournament that year.

Nance went undrafted in the 2023 NBA Draft but joined the Cleveland Cavaliers for Summer League. After signing and being waived by the Cavs, he spent time with their G League affiliate, the Cleveland Charge.

Nance's professional path was a stumbling but persevering one. In 2024, he signed a 10-day contract with Cleveland before converting to a two-way deal, playing alongside his brother Larry Nance Jr. The Cavaliers signed him to a standard contract on September 24, 2024, but waived him on October 19. Seven days later, he rejoined the Charge.

On December 3, 2024, Nance signed a two-way contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, only to be waived on January 7, 2025. Three days later, he returned to Cleveland's G League team before signing another two-way deal with Philadelphia on January 14.

In his third professional season, Nance signed a two-way contract with the Bucks before officially converting to a standard multi-year deal. He has appeared in a career-high 37 games this season and has seen his role increase significantly in recent weeks. On March 17, he posted 13 points in a season-high 30 minutes — his second game logging at least 30 minutes since January.

Currently, there are two other Northwestern graduates, Brook Barnhizer and Pat Spencer, playing in the league. For Northwestern fans, watching Nance earn NBA security is a proud moment.