The Milwaukee Bucks are facing a pivotal stretch-one that could redefine the trajectory of their franchise. While all eyes are understandably on Giannis Antetokounmpo and the looming question of his future in Milwaukee, there’s more at play behind the scenes than just the fate of the two-time MVP. The Bucks are quietly exploring other roster moves, and one name that’s surfaced is an intriguing one: Cam Thomas.
According to league insider Michael Scotto, the Bucks have expressed interest in acquiring Thomas ahead of the trade deadline. The 22-year-old guard, currently with the Brooklyn Nets, is on an expiring contract and will become an unrestricted free agent this summer. That makes him a low-risk, high-upside target for a team that could be on the verge of major changes.
Thomas has shown flashes of being a dynamic scorer-he averaged 24 points per game at one point-and his ability to create his own shot could be a valuable asset for a Bucks team that may soon be reshaping its identity. His current contract is team-friendly, but it also comes with a wrinkle: Thomas has a no-trade clause, meaning he holds the power to approve or reject any potential move. That kind of leverage isn’t common for a player his age, but it gives him a say in where he lands next.
If the Bucks do move on from Giannis-whether that’s before the deadline or this summer-they’ll be entering a new phase. Shedding a max contract would open up significant cap space, and that flexibility could allow them to pursue young, ascending talents like Thomas on a longer-term deal. In that kind of rebuild or roster retooling scenario, Thomas could be more than just a short-term scoring punch; he could be part of the next core.
There’s also the question of what the Nets want to do. Signs have pointed for a while now to a potential split between Brooklyn and Thomas.
If the front office doesn’t see him as part of their future, it makes sense for them to try and extract some value before he hits free agency. And with Milwaukee showing interest, the timing might be right for both sides to strike a deal.
Of course, this is all contingent on several moving pieces. The Bucks have other sizable contracts on the books that could be moved to facilitate a deal or clear space. The Nets, meanwhile, will weigh whether holding onto Thomas for the rest of the season is worth the risk of losing him for nothing in July.
But what’s clear is this: Milwaukee isn’t just sitting back and waiting for the Giannis domino to fall. They’re actively exploring ways to stay competitive-or at least position themselves well for the next chapter. And if Cam Thomas is part of that vision, it could be a sign that the Bucks are already thinking beyond the present, with an eye on building something new.