The Milwaukee Bucks didn't make any splash move at the trade deadline, but they're trying to build around Giannis Antetokounmpo for a potential playoff push.
The Milwaukee Bucks were the team to watch ahead of the NBA trade deadline but ultimately ended up keeping star Giannis Antetokounmpo. They’ll now try to contend and see what they can get out of this season, despite Antetokounmpo currently being unavailable due to a calf strain. They’re riding their first three-game win streak of the season but still sit two games behind the Charlotte Hornets for the No. 10 seed at No. 12 in the Eastern Conference. With coach Doc Rivers emphasizing that they don’t plan to shut Antetokounmpo down for the season, the Bucks made a move for a surprisingly available free agent guard.
Former Brooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomas signed a deal on Sunday to join Milwaukee after being waived by the Nets after the trade deadline Thursday. It was a bit unexpected, as Thomas had signed a one-year, $5.9 million qualifying offer this offseason. The 24-year-old is averaging 15.6 points, 1.8 rebound and 3.1 rebounds in 24 games coming off the bench for Brooklyn this season. While he’s been productive, they weren’t able to find a deal, and the Bucks capitalized.
Here is the full story from Bucks Roundtable writer Jack Haslett on the surprising add and what it does for the team’s hopes.
Brooklyn took Thomas with their first-round pick at No. 27 overall in the 2021 draft and has been a solid player for five seasons with the Nets. He’s had a bit of a down year shooting, but offers
Thomas was the Nets' first-round pick in the 2021 Draft, 27th overall. He's been a reliable offensive piece for the Nets in the past five seasons, which made his sudden waiving so surprising. Milwaukee will look to make a push after keeping Antetokounmpo, and that pressure is amplified by his impeding free agency at the end of the season. Thomas gives a spark to hopefully be more competitive and be a steal.