Heard 'Em Say: Roster Moves, Draft Stories, and New Podcasts

Roster Updates

Jake Fischer shared on social media that the Milwaukee Bucks are exploring trades to trim their roster down to 15 players. More details emerged through The Stein Line about how these trades might unfold.

Bucks and Lakers Discuss Trade

The Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers have had talks about a potential swap involving former first-round pick Dalton Knecht heading to Milwaukee along with second-round draft picks in exchange for Jericho Sims. Fischer expressed doubt this trade will actually happen.

The Lakers have shown interest in Sims before; he was ranked 11th in the Bucks’ 2026-27 trade value list and thought to be worth an early-to-mid second-round pick, but it seems he could command even more.

If no deal is struck, the Lakers may waive Knecht before Monday's deadline. They picked up his third-year option guaranteeing $4.2 million for 2026-27, so waiving him would mean absorbing that salary.

Additionally, Sims is reportedly on the radar for the Philadelphia 76ers after backup center Ariel Hukporti suffered an Achilles injury during preseason.

Potential Deals Involving Porter Jr. and LeVert

Fischer also mentioned the Bucks are considering trades involving Caris LeVert and Kevin Porter Jr., alongside possible Sims moves, aiming to avoid waiving contracted players. The Bucks want to keep fan-favorite Pete Nance but risk losing him if they waive him hoping to re-sign him on a two-way contract.

Draft Disappointments Continue

Another story tied to Jon Horst's draft choices surfaced. Last year, Washington Wizards' Kyshawn George revealed on the Old Man And The Three podcast how surprised he was not to be picked by the Bucks at 23 in the 2024 draft despite strong workouts.

Now, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell shared a similar tale on the same podcast. Mitchell was hopeful to be selected late first round, especially since his sister lives in Wisconsin, making Milwaukee a natural fit.

Instead, the Bucks chose AJ Johnson at 23. Later, with pick 33 (before Mitchell went at 38), the Bucks picked Tyler Smith, missing two chances to get Mitchell.

Adding to the draft woes, Zach Lowe shared that in 2022 the Bucks debated between Andrew Nembhard and MarJon Beauchamp at pick 24, ultimately selecting Beauchamp, who quickly underperformed.

Kyle Kuzma Launches Podcast

Lastly, Kyle Kuzma announced his new podcast, Read the Room, where he'll interview founders, investors, athletes, and creators, diving into their boldest moves and lessons learned.