The Milwaukee Bucks continued to show they are all-in on turning their season around by signing free agent guard Cam Thomas. After being waived by the Brooklyn Nets, Thomas has swiftly signed with a Bucks team that desperately needs some help offensively. In his first comments since inking his deal, Thomas sounded like a player grateful for the opportunity and ready to help his team.
“I picked Milwaukee because they wanted me and they told me they’ve been interested for years now. 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,” is what he told Andscape's Marc J. Spears.
A fresh start could motivate Milwaukee's new guard
Things were clearly not working with Thomas in Brooklyn. After the two sides were unable to come to a big-time contract extension last summer, the guard settled and took a team-friendly deal. Yet, there was clearly still some tension on both sides, and a split was likely best for both parties. That allowed Thomas to sign with someone who has been very interested in him.
The Bucks being interested in Thomas for years is unsurprising. They are always scouring the market for help wherever they can get it. Per NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Bucks were the only team to show interest in Thomas from the beginning, back to when the Nets were fielding trade offers. When he hit the free agent market, they were likely banging down his door trying to ink his signature.
Now that they have him, Milwaukee's goal for Thomas is clear: Score. The offense has been an ugly product this season. Some of that is due to countless injuries, but even when the team is healthy, it's been a tough watch offensively. Thomas, who has averaged over 21 points per game across the last three seasons, can undeniably provide a jolt in that regard.
A factor that should only increase Thomas' motivation is that he's bracing for free agency as soon as Milwaukee's season ends. There's currently no lucrative deal waiting for him. Sure, based on the fact that they've had an interest in him for years, the Bucks would likely welcome Thomas back, but at this point, it would be on a team-friendly deal.
If the guard finds his groove and helps Milwaukee make a push for the postseason, he could earn himself a nice raise in the summer.
Given how quickly Thomas signed with the team, rather than holding out to weigh any options, it's clear that he's ready to get on the court and make a difference as soon as he can. Winners of their last three, the Bucks are hot, and they just added another bucket-getter into the mix.
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