HoopsHype insider Michael Scotto reported Saturday that the Milwaukee Bucks are eyeing Nets guard Cam Thomas ahead of the trade deadline. In a down year compared to his two prior seasons, Thomas is averaging 16.1 points and 3.1 assists while shooting a paltry 39.9% from the field and 31.8% on threes. In the offseason, he will make his debut in unrestricted free agency. Even as a fringe addition, it’s not clear why the Bucks, likely poised for a second-half tank, would target Thomas unless as a piece in a larger move, but Scotto’s report makes no mention of a multi-layered offer in the works involving Thomas and Milwaukee.
Hypothetical Thomas trade a stretch for both parties
Thomas is only making $5.9 million this season after taking Brooklyn’s qualifying offer as a restricted free agent. Financially, it would not be difficult to acquire Thomas, but Brooklyn has no incentive to trade him for what Milwaukee could offer. The Bucks would not be sending out any of the draft capital they currently own. They aren’t trying to win games; their best strategy is to secure position in this year’s draft. If Brooklyn and Milwaukee are the only teams involved, a deal makes no sense for either side.
And no, the Brooklyn Nets are not realistic suitors for Giannis Antetokounmpo. Thomas isn’t a “trade chip” in a potential Giannis-Nets deal. Scotto’s reports the Bucks’ interest in him in the context of other, separate moves they might pursue.
Oct 27, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomas (24) drives past Milwaukee Bucks guard Gary Trent Jr. (5) and forward Taurean Prince (12) in the third quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Where it could come into play, maybe, is if the Bucks net additional assets as part of another move. Say they get a hold of some second-rounders. The Nets would likely be happy to turn Thomas into anything of future value, but why would the Bucks oblige? Sure, they could take a flyer on Thomas hoping he looks like the player he scored over 20 points per game from 2023-24 to ’24-25, but they would be unlikely to retain him in free agency. He may or may not get one if his poor 2025-26 campaign continues, but Thomas will want a substantial pay raise this offseason.
Thomas is not a facilitator. He is not a good defender. He is a bucket-getter, plain and simple. The net impact on Milwaukee’s roster might be neutral at best. Perhaps a larger deal is in the works where Thomas’ expiring salary could come into play, but lacking that, it’s hard to envision his path to becoming a Buck.
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