The Milwaukee Bucks dangled Giannis Antetokounmpo before Thursday’s NBA trade deadline. The Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, Miami Heat and Minnesota Timberwolves reportedly showed serious interest in the All-Star forward, only for Milwaukee to ultimately keep him.
Milwaukee did make a deadline deal, though, acquiring Ousmane Dieng in a three-team trade with the Phoenix Suns and Chicago Bulls.
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By the looks of it, the Bucks have shifted their focus to trying to compete with Antetokounmpo this campaign before reevaluating his future with the team in the offseason.
To get more help for Antetokounmpo, the Bucks also made a key addition on Sunday, signing former Brooklyn Nets scorer Cam Thomas to a deal.
Thomas became available after the Nets released him following the trade deadline. For what it’s worth, the Bucks showed interest in him prior to the deadline.
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“I picked Milwaukee because they wanted me and they told me they’ve been interested for years now,” Thomas said about joining the Bucks, per Andscape. “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.”
Former Brooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomas (24) looks to make a play.Scott Kinser-Imagn Images
(Scott Kinser-Imagn Images)How Cam Thomas Can Help Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks
If there’s one thing that Thomas is really good at, it’s putting the basketball into the basket. The 24-year-old guard averaged 15.6 points on 39.9% shooting with the Nets this 2025-26, and that’s with a decreased role.
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In 2024-25, when he was playing over 31 minutes per game for the Nets, he put up 24 points on 43.8% shooting. He also recorded 3.3 rebounds and 3.8 assists in the same season.
At the time of writing, the Bucks are 24th in offensive rating this season. When it comes to bench scoring, they are 18th in the league.
That being said, the Bucks could really use the offensive boost that Thomas brings, whether he starts or comes off the bench.
With Antetokounmpo sidelined due to a calf injury, Thomas’ arrival should give the Bucks an offensive spark.
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It remains to be seen when Thomas will be available to play for the Bucks. Milwaukee takes on the Orlando Magic on Monday, so it’s possible he joins the team for the game.
The Bucks face the Magic again on Wednesday and the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday. After that, Milwaukee goes into the All-Star break and returns to action on Feb. 20 against the New Orleans Pelicans.
Related: Warriors’ Giannis Antetokounmpo Chase Affected Trade Talks With Grizzlies: Report
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Feb 9, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.