FILE – Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis (9) gestures after a basket during the second half of a first-round NBA basketball playoff game in Indianapolis, Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File) The Milwaukee Bucks may soon find themselves in the mix for Brooklyn Nets’ rising star Cam Thomas. According to a report by Toran Flores published on July 25, 2025, the Bucks are exploring options to bolster their roster after another underwhelming playoff run—and Thomas has emerged as a potential trade target.
Why Cam Thomas Is on the Milwaukee Bucks’ Radar
The Milwaukee Bucks are navigating a pivotal offseason, especially in light of franchise cornerstone Giannis Antetokounmpo’s growing impatience with the team’s playoff shortcomings. Antetokounmpo has hinted that he could seek a new team if Milwaukee doesn’t act like a serious title contender. The front office is listening.One of the Milwaukee Bucks’ first moves was to release Damian Lillard, a decision that cleared cap space and opened the door for signing defensive anchor Myles Turner. But with scoring still a concern, the team is reportedly setting its sights on Thomas, a dynamic scoring guard from Brooklyn.
Cam Thomas (Image via Getty)
CBS Sports’ Sam Quinn outlined a potential trade scenario that would send Kyle Kuzma to the Nets in exchange for Cam, adding that the Bucks could enhance the offer with a future first-round swap.“The Bucks would have to trade Kyle Kuzma to match money on a potential contract… Perhaps Milwaukee could grease the wheels with an unprotected first-round swap in 2032?” wrote Quinn in his July 24 article. “That would leave their 2031 first-rounder available for another trade now and ensure that their 2033 first-round pick would be tradable next offseason as well, and as the Nets have two first-round picks in 2032, they could arrange the swap so that it applies to either of their picks.”
Why the Nets Might Move Cam Thomas
The trade buzz surrounding Cam Thomas comes in the wake of his decision to turn down a two-year, $28 million contract extension from the Nets. As a restricted free agent, Thomas is reportedly seeking a four-year deal worth close to $100 million—a figure that could be too rich for Brooklyn’s plans.With two first-round picks in 2032 and a need to reset their roster, the Nets might find value in trading Thomas now rather than risk losing him in the future for less.
Kyle Kuzma’s Struggles in Milwaukee
For the Milwaukee Bucks to make a move for Thomas, Kyle Kuzma would likely be the outgoing piece. Kuzma, who is still owed nearly $43 million over the next two seasons, has struggled to find his rhythm in Milwaukee. His postseason performance was especially disappointing:
Kyle Kuzma’s 2025 Playoff Stats vs. Pacers:
Stat CategoryValue Points Per Game 5.8 Rebounds 2.2Given his poor fit and high salary, Milwaukee might be eager to part ways with the forward if it means landing a more productive scorer like Thomas.
Possible Trade Framework
Here’s what a Cam trade to the Bucks could look like:
Proposed Trade:
To Bucks To Nets Cam Thomas Kyle Kuzma 2032 1st-round swap (unprotected)This move would give the Bucks a young, scoring-first guard who could complement Antetokounmpo’s inside game while also securing valuable future trade flexibility.
What’s Next for Milwaukee?
The Milwaukee Bucks are clearly recalibrating around Giannis, and landing Cam Thomas would send a strong signal that they’re serious about staying in the title race. With free agency deals drying up and few high-impact players left on the market, Milwaukee’s front office could soon shift into aggressive trade mode.Also read: NBA Trade Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers Predicted to Land $55 Million Dallas Mavericks Center in Blockbuster Deal involving LeBron and Bronny JamesWhether or not Brooklyn bites remains to be seen—but the opportunity is there.