Milwaukee Bucks Waive Cam Thomas
INGLEWOOD — The Milwaukee Bucks announced on Monday that they have waived guard Cam Thomas, marking his second stint as a free agent in less than two months.
Thomas’s Performance with the Bucks
Last season, Thomas averaged over 20 points per game. He was released by the Brooklyn Nets at the NBA trade deadline when the team could not find a trading partner, and subsequently, the Bucks signed him for the remainder of the season.
Initial Success and Decline
After adapting to his new team with a 13-minute debut in Orlando on February 11, Thomas made a significant impact by scoring 34 points in his second game for the Bucks, leading to a 116-108 victory over the Magic on February 13. Bucks coach Doc Rivers praised him, comparing Thomas to notable Sixth Man of the Year recipients Jamal Crawford and Lou Williams.
Reduced Playing Time
Thomas continued to score in double figures for the next three games, but his playing time diminished as Rivers opted to use him less. In a March 14 defeat against the Hawks, Thomas played only three minutes in the second quarter and did not return for the second half.
Coaching Decisions
Rivers chose not to play Thomas in the subsequent two games and mentioned that he intended to utilize players who fit the team’s needs best. He expressed regret over the decision, stating that it was tough to let Thomas go: “We ran out of bodies… I thought Cam was really good overall.”
Future Opportunities for Thomas
Due to the timing of his release, Thomas is not eligible to participate in the postseason with another NBA team. Known for his scoring ability but struggling with other game aspects, he averaged 22.5 points per game with the Nets in the 2023-24 season and 24 points per game the previous season, although he played in only 25 games. After a restricted free agency summer, he signed a one-year qualifying offer with Brooklyn.
Forward Pete Nance’s New Deal
The Bucks will fill the newly available roster spot by promoting Pete Nance from a two-way contract to a standard NBA deal. Rivers commended Nance, calling him a high-IQ player who can contribute to any team, whether in a championship context or a rebuild. Before his contract conversion, Nance had played in 49 games this season, averaging 4.5 points and 2.2 rebounds.
