Roundup
Chicago Bulls
Cleveland Cavaliers
Detroit Pistons
Indiana Pacers
Milwaukee Bucks
Bulls and Bucks finalize cuts, Central Division roundup
No games in the Central Division yesterday, but plenty of roster cuts and final tweaks for the Bulls, Bucks, Pistons, Cavaliers and Pacers ahead of opening night.
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There were no games on the schedule for the Central Division yesterday, but front offices were busy. With Monday’s deadline to set regular season rosters looming, all five teams made moves, mirroring a league-wide wave of cuts noted by Hoops Rumors.
Bulls trim camp roster and look to Giddey
In Chicago (3-2), the Bulls cleaned up their training camp roster. The team placed wings Brandon Boston Jr. and Drew Peterson, forward Jalen Bridges, and center Orlando Robinson on waivers. According to Hoops Rumors, all four players had previous NBA regular season experience, but they won’t open the year in the Bulls’ rotation.
Hoops Rumors also relays that Josh Giddey hasn’t leaned heavily on lob passes so far in his career, something he links in part to the big men he has played with. That could change in Chicago, where the Bulls drafted Caleb Wilson, described as the leader of a new group up front, potentially reshaping the team’s offensive options.
Bucks waive Nance, Broome and Stephens
In Milwaukee (2-3), the Bucks requested waivers on big men Pete Nance, Johni Broome and Jake Stephens. Hoops Rumors notes that Broome and Stephens were on Exhibit 10 contracts and were always expected to be waived before the regular season. Nance’s release is characterized as more notable, though it still fits into the broader pattern of teams making their cuts on Saturday so non-guaranteed contracts can clear waivers before opening night.
Pistons, Cavaliers and Pacers finalize depth charts
The Detroit Pistons (3-1) waived their Exhibit 10 players, as did the Cleveland Cavaliers (1-2), according to the NBA’s transaction log cited by Hoops Rumors. With those players having been cut on Saturday, they’re expected to clear waivers in time for the start of the regular season.
In Indiana (1-3), the Pacers likewise used the day to lock in their roster structure. The club requested waivers on veteran forward James Johnson and big men Keba Keita and Rienk Mast. Hoops Rumors reports that following these moves, Indiana has 17 players under contract, including three on two-way deals. While further tweaks are still technically possible, the Pacers’ opening framework now appears largely set.