24-year-old guard averaged 21.4 points over past three seasons; Bucks pursue offensive help following Giannis struggles without scoring partner during calf injury recovery
Cam Thomas has found his new home. The 24-year-old free agent guard agreed to a deal with the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday, according to his agent Tony Ronzone of Wasserman. The signing represents a significant mid-season acquisition for a Bucks team desperately seeking offensive firepower to complement Giannis Antetokounmpo during their push toward playoff contention. Thomas, who averaged 21.4 points per game over the past three seasons, provides exactly the kind of immediate talent injection Milwaukee needs as the franchise attempts to salvage its championship window with their franchise star still recovering from injury.
The move came less than a week after the Brooklyn Nets waived Thomas following the trade deadline, a somewhat surprising decision that freed the talented scorer to explore free agency. Thomas had signed a one-year, $5.9 million qualifying offer with Brooklyn over the summer, but struggled to find consistent offensive rhythm with the Nets. Playing in only 36 games due to missing the first 20 contests because of a left hamstring strain, Thomas averaged 15.6 points and 3.1 assists numbers far below his career trajectory. The hamstring issues that plagued him all season ultimately contributed to his waiver, opening the door for Milwaukee to acquire him quickly.
Thomas explained his reasoning for choosing Milwaukee, emphasizing that the Bucks demonstrated genuine long-term interest. He appreciated that the organization had been monitoring his availability for years and finally had the opportunity to bring him into the fold. His mindset centered on immediate contribution and chemistry-building with his new teammates. For a player coming off a frustrating season marked by injury complications and inconsistent opportunity, the fresh start represented exactly what he needed.
The offensive void Milwaukee desperately needs filled
The Bucks’ need for additional scoring punch became increasingly apparent as the season progressed. With Antetokounmpo on the floor, Milwaukee operates one of the NBA’s elite offenses, averaging 123.2 points per 100 possessions. However, the team transforms into one of the league’s worst offensive units whenever their franchise star sits, plummeting to 109.5 points per 100 possessions. That 13.7-point swing represents a critical vulnerability that the Bucks have struggled to address all season. Thomas’s scoring ability, despite recent shooting struggles, offers a potential solution to this glaring offensive imbalance.
Thomas has acknowledged his shooting difficulties this season, hitting only 40% from the field and 33% from three-point range. Those numbers represent a significant decline from his career performance, a reality shaped by his late-season hamstring issues and limited court time. However, his 21.4 points per game average over the past three seasons demonstrates that when healthy and given opportunity, Thomas possesses elite scoring ability. The Bucks are betting that a fresh start, reduced pressure, and a role alongside established players will help him rediscover his scoring touch.
Contention window remains viable despite obstacles
The Bucks currently sit at the 12th seed in the Eastern Conference, two games behind the Hornets at No. 10, after winning three consecutive games for the first time all season. Antetokounmpo remains sidelined as he recovers from his right calf strain, but coach Doc Rivers emphasized that the organization has no plans to shut him down for the remainder of the season. Team sources indicated that despite considering offers and engaging with teams about a potential Antetokounmpo trade before the deadline, Milwaukee decided to hold firm with their franchise star.
That commitment reflects the organization’s belief that they can still salvage the Antetokounmpo era and pursue a second championship. The Bucks had engaged with Brooklyn about acquiring Thomas even before the deadline but couldn’t find common ground on terms. Once Thomas hit free agency following his waiver, Milwaukee moved quickly to secure him.
Thomas’s career arc makes the signing meaningful. Last season, he averaged 24 points and 3.8 assists in 25 games while playing through similar hamstring issues, proving his capability when healthy. His journey from that production to qualifying-offer acceptance to Nets waiver to Bucks signing represents the unpredictable nature of NBA careers. For Milwaukee, acquiring him represents a calculated gamble that additional scoring depth could be the missing piece in their championship equation.
