Heard ‘Em Say: Roster Moves, Podcast Launches, and Draft Setbacks
Roster Updates
On Wednesday, Jake Fischer shared on social media that the Milwaukee Bucks are looking at trades to slim down their roster to 15 players. More details came through in another edition of The Stein Line, revealing how these moves might unfold.
Bucks and Lakers Discuss Potential Trade
Fischer reported that the Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers have talked about a possible swap involving former first-rounder Dalton Knecht heading to Milwaukee along with a second-round draft pick, while Jericho Sims would move to LA. Despite this chatter, Fischer mentioned some doubts about the trade actually happening.
The Lakers have shown interest in Sims for some time, which was noted in our 2026-27 Bucks trade value rankings where he was placed 11th, suggesting he could bring an early-to-mid second-round pick. Still, it seems he's valued higher than that. If no deal comes through, LA might waive Knecht before Monday's deadline, though that means absorbing his guaranteed $4.2 million salary for the season since they exercised his third-year option.
Interestingly, Sims is also on the radar of the Philadelphia 76ers after backup center Ariel Hukporti suffered an Achilles tear early in preseason.
Bucks Consider Deals Involving Porter Jr. and LeVert
Fischer also revealed the Bucks have explored trades involving Caris LeVert, Kevin Porter Jr., and Sims as they try to avoid waiving players under contract. They want to hold on to fan favorite Pete Nance, knowing that waiving him risks losing him to other teams instead of re-signing him on a two-way contract.
Another Draft Disappointment for Jon Horst
Last year, a story surfaced about Washington Wizards wing Kyshawn George who was surprised the Bucks didn’t draft him at No. 23 in 2024 despite solid workouts and feedback. Now, a similar tale has emerged involving OKC Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell.
“My agents were like, There’s a chance you get picked late first. Milwaukee had the 23rd pick. I went in there, they really liked me. My sister lived in Wisconsin, so I could see that connection. My whole family was like, You might be in Milwaukee, and that would be great.”
Instead of Mitchell, the Bucks chose AJ Johnson at 23. Even more frustrating, Mitchell went at pick 38, while Milwaukee had pick 33 but used it on Tyler Smith. So Horst missed two chances to select Mitchell.
Adding salt to the wound, Zach Lowe shared that in the 2022 draft, the Bucks debated between Andrew Nembhard and MarJon Beauchamp at pick 24, ultimately picking Beauchamp, who soon fizzled out.
It feels like a tough spot to be in.
Kyle Kuzma Launches Podcast
Finally, Kyle Kuzma has announced his own podcast called Read the Room. He plans to chat with founders, investors, athletes, and creators about bold decisions, pivots, and lessons learned along the way. What you'll make of that is up to you.
