Free agent guard Cam Thomas has officially signed with the Milwaukee Bucks, as confirmed by his agent, Tony Ronzone of Wasserman, on Sunday. The 24-year-old brings an impressive scoring record, averaging 21.4 points per game over the last three seasons, making him a valuable addition to a Bucks team still vying for contention alongside star player Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Thomas was unexpectedly waived by the Brooklyn Nets after the recent trade deadline, following a season in which he signed a one-year, $5.9 million qualifying offer. Despite missing the first 20 games due to a left hamstring strain, he still managed to put up averages of 15.6 points and 3.1 assists for the Nets.
In an interview with Andscape, Thomas expressed enthusiasm about joining the Bucks, stating, “I picked Milwaukee because they wanted me and they told me they’ve been interested for years now. So, it’s good to have this opportunity come to fruition. And I’m just hoping to meet everybody, get to know everybody and contribute as soon as possible.”
Although Thomas has faced challenges in his shooting, with a field goal percentage of 40% and 33% from beyond the arc, his scoring prowess could significantly enhance Milwaukee’s offensive capabilities. The Bucks have struggled to generate points when Antetokounmpo is off the court, showcasing an elite offense that scores 123.2 points per 100 possessions with him on the floor but plummeting to one of the worst outputs in the league (109.5) when he’s sidelined.
The team is currently without Antetokounmpo, who is recovering from a right calf strain. Despite this, the Bucks have managed a three-game winning streak, marking their first such run of the season, though they sit at the 12th seed in the Eastern Conference, just two games behind the Charlotte Hornets for the final play-in spot. Coach Doc Rivers has made it clear that they do not plan to shut down Antetokounmpo for the remainder of the season, reinforcing their commitment to contending.
Prior to the trade deadline, the Bucks explored offers that included Antetokounmpo but ultimately decided against trading their franchise star while seeking ways to enhance the roster. Sources indicated that team management maintains confidence in their ability to maximize the Antetokounmpo era and aims to secure a second championship.
Though the deal between the Bucks and the Nets for Thomas didn’t materialize before the deadline, it now appears to be a timely match as both team and player look to make an impact moving forward. Thomas previously averaged 24 points and 3.8 assists in 25 games last season, demonstrating potential that Milwaukee can capitalize on as they pursue their championship goals.