The Brooklyn Nets made one of the more unexpected moves of the 2025-26 NBA trade deadline, waiving guard Cam Thomas after exploring trade options that didn’t materialize. The team reportedly had discussions with the Cleveland Cavaliers about a potential deal that would’ve brought Lonzo Ball to Brooklyn, but talks fell through.
With the deadline in the rearview and no trade finalized, the Nets listed Thomas as out for their matchup against the Orlando Magic due to personal reasons. Not long after, it became official: Thomas was waived.
There was clear interest around the league. According to reports, both the Cavaliers and Milwaukee Bucks had been monitoring Thomas, hinting that a deal might’ve been close.
But ultimately, the Nets didn’t receive an offer they deemed suitable. Details about those trade discussions remain under wraps, but what we do know is that Thomas cleared waivers and quickly found a new home in Milwaukee.
Thomas said he chose the Bucks because they’d “wanted him for years,” and he’s already sounding like a player energized by a change of scenery. “I’m happy that everybody is embracing me,” he said, and based on early returns, the feeling seems mutual.
Before his departure, Thomas was putting together a solid campaign in Brooklyn - averaging 15.6 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game while shooting .399 from the field and .325 from beyond the arc. But beneath the surface, it was clear something wasn’t clicking.
After starting the season in the first unit, Thomas missed 20 games with a left hamstring strain. When he returned, head coach Jordi Fernandez leaned into developing younger talent, including rookie guard Egor Demin, and Thomas was moved to a bench role.
That shift didn’t sit well with Thomas’ production. In the 13 games after returning from injury, he averaged just 10.8 points per game and shot a rough 35.3% from the field, including 27.8% from deep. He shot better than 42.9% in only two of those outings - a sign that the adjustment in role and rhythm may have taken a toll.
Still, it’s hard to question Thomas’ talent as a scorer. In Milwaukee, he’s already flashing the kind of microwave offense that made him such a compelling player in Brooklyn.
In his first three games with the Bucks before the All-Star break, Thomas averaged 16.7 points while shooting an impressive 47.4% from the field and 38.5% from three. That includes a 34-point explosion in just 25 minutes off the bench - the kind of performance that reminds everyone just how quickly he can heat up.
That outing caught the attention of Bucks head coach Doc Rivers, who didn’t hold back in his praise. Rivers compared Thomas to some of the best sixth-man scorers the league has seen - Jamal Crawford and Lou Williams - players who built careers on their ability to change the game off the bench with instant offense.
For Thomas, this fresh start in Milwaukee could be exactly what he needs as he approaches free agency. While his time in Brooklyn ended without a trade or long-term extension, there’s no bad blood. Thomas spoke respectfully about his time with the Nets, and the organization, in turn, gave him a shot to reset his value on his own terms.
In the end, Brooklyn couldn’t find a deal before the deadline, but they gave Thomas the freedom to find a better fit - and so far, Milwaukee looks like just that. With the Bucks seeking consistent production behind their stars, Thomas has a real chance to carve out a meaningful role and remind the league what he can do when given the green light.