Cam Thomas Secures Deal with Milwaukee Bucks Following Brooklyn Nets Exit
In a significant move for the Milwaukee Bucks, free agent guard Cam Thomas has officially reached an agreement to join the team, as confirmed by his agent Tony Ronzone of Wasserman to ESPN on Sunday. This development comes after the Brooklyn Nets waived Thomas shortly after the NBA trade deadline on February 5, making him available for acquisition without the need for draft capital.
Exclusive Interest from Milwaukee Bucks
According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Milwaukee Bucks emerged as the sole team with genuine interest in Thomas, despite earlier trade offers from the Brooklyn Nets. Fischer noted, "I haven't heard anything about a team that would want Cam Thomas. The one team we heard was Milwaukee, but they did not want to pay draft capital to acquire him. Could he go to Milwaukee now? It's possible, but that's the only real spot I've heard with Cam Thomas interest all along." This exclusive pursuit underscores the Bucks' strategic focus on bolstering their roster amid a competitive season.
Thomas's Career and Impact on the Bucks
Originally selected by the Brooklyn Nets with the 27th overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft, the 24-year-old Thomas brings a proven scoring ability to Milwaukee. Over the past three seasons, he has averaged an impressive 21.4 points per game, with a standout performance in the 2023–24 season where he posted 22.5 points and 3.2 rebounds per game, shooting 44.2% from the field and 36.4% from three-point range. His addition is expected to provide an instant skill boost for the Bucks, who are currently contending without star player Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Thomas expressed his enthusiasm about the move, telling Marc Spears of ESPN Andscape, "Super excited, ready to actually help and contribute to another team. My next team is getting elite scoring, good playmaking and a good combo guard." This positive outlook highlights his readiness to embrace a new role and contribute to the Bucks' offensive strategies.
Challenges and Opportunities for Thomas
Despite his scoring prowess, Thomas faced challenges this season, including a left hamstring injury that sidelined him for 20 games. In 24 appearances, he averaged 15.6 points per game. His availability as a free agent after failing to secure an extension with the Nets—he accepted a $5.9 million qualifying offer last summer—made him an attractive option for teams seeking scoring depth without long-term commitments.
The limited league-wide interest in Thomas, as noted by insiders, suggests that many teams were hesitant to trade for him or sign him post-waiver. For instance, the Los Angeles Lakers, who struggle with bench scoring, opted to promote two-way guard Kobe Bufkin instead, indicating a cautious approach toward Thomas. However, this lack of broader interest may work in the Bucks' favor, allowing them to address one of their key issues: scoring consistency.
Strategic Fit for the Milwaukee Bucks
Cam Thomas's ability to score efficiently, particularly in a supporting role alongside elite players like Mikal Bridges, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Durant during his time with the Nets, makes him a valuable asset for Milwaukee. While he may not solve all of the Bucks' problems, his scoring average of 24.0 points per game in the following season—though limited by injury to 25 games—demonstrates his potential to make a significant impact. The Bucks' decision to sign him reflects a calculated move to enhance their offensive capabilities as they aim for success in the current season.
This agreement marks a new chapter for Thomas, offering him stability and a chance to contribute to a contender, while the Bucks gain a dynamic guard to strengthen their lineup in the absence of key players.
