Central Division Roundup: Bucks Sign Nance, NBPA Backs Cunningham, Atkinson Chides Cavs’ Defense, McClung Breaks G League Record
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Bucks convert Pete Nance and use room exception
The Milwaukee Bucks promoted forward Pete Nance to the standard roster, inking him to a three-year, $5.81 million contract. The deal was financed with the remainder of Milwaukee’s room exception, which had been partially exhausted last summer on Kevin Porter Jr. Nance will earn $600,000 for the rest of the current season—well above his prorated minimum of $277,137. The contract carries a non-guaranteed $2,497,812 salary for 2026/27 and a non-guaranteed team option worth $2,707,612 for 2027/28. His 2026/27 money becomes fully guaranteed if he remains on the roster beyond July 4, 2026.
NBPA and agent push for Cade Cunningham exception
After the National Basketball Players Association criticized the NBA’s 65-game minimum for postseason awards, agent Jeff Schwartz argued that Pistons guard Cade Cunningham should remain eligible for All-NBA honors. “Cade has delivered a first-team All-NBA season,” Schwartz told ESPN’s Shams Charania. Cunningham, diagnosed last week with a collapsed lung, is unlikely to reach the five additional games needed to satisfy the threshold.
Atkinson warns Cavaliers after high-scoring win
The Cleveland Cavaliers notched their fourth straight victory by defeating Orlando on Tuesday, yet head coach Kenny Atkinson was unsatisfied with a defense that surrendered 131 points. “If we’re going to play defense like this, we’re going to have a short playoff stint,” Atkinson said postgame. He added that only strong defenders will secure playoff minutes, noting Cleveland’s recent surge to the league’s top offensive ranking while falling short of a top-10 defense.
Mac McClung sets new G League scoring mark
Bulls two-way guard Mac McClung, already one of two players ever to win three NBA Slam Dunk Contests, is now the G League’s all-time leading scorer across regular season, Tip-Off Tournament and postseason action. McClung moved past Renaldo Major’s combined total of 5,299 points; Major still holds the regular-season record with 5,058.
Source: Hoops Rumors
