The Milwaukee Bucks acquired Cam Thomas off waivers after the Brooklyn Nets released him. Less than two months later, Milwaukee waived the shot-creating guard.
Bobby Portis Discusses the Bucks Waiving Cam Thomas
Portis appeared on FanDuel’s flagship NBA show, “Run It Back,” with Michelle Beadle and former NBA players Chandler Parsons and Lou Williams. Beadle asked Portis about what led to Thomas’ controversial exit from Milwaukee.
“I just hate it happened to Cam … I think something good down the line is going to come toward him. He just got to keep his head down and keep working. He just fell into the chaos of everything going on (in Milwaukee). Cam’s a good dude, though,” Portis said.
Bobby Portis on Cam Thomas getting waived by the Bucks:
“He just fell into the chaos of everything going on (in Milwaukee).”@BPortistime | @MichelleDBeadle | @ChandlerParsons | @TeamLou23 pic.twitter.com/4YZYAWpV1I
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) March 30, 2026
The Bucks were eliminated from playoff contention on March 28 for the first time since 2015-16. They hold the No. 11 seed in the Eastern Conference with a 29-45 record. Injuries to Giannis Antetokounmpo derailed their campaign, and questions surround the superstar’s future as the 2026 offseason approaches.
The Bucks officially waived Thomas on March 23, but this date has more significance than meets the eye. He is ineligible to play in the 2026 playoffs because of the league’s March 1 playoff eligibility waiver deadline.
“Sad that he got waived at a time where he can’t sign with a playoff team and show what he can do to impact winning, but something good is going to come to good,” Portis said.
Thomas can still sign a new deal and play for the remaining two regular-season weeks.
The 6-foot-3 guard played 16.6 minutes per game, averaging 10.7 points, 1.56 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in 18 contests with the Bucks. Thomas had two outstanding scoring performances for Milwaukee. He dropped 34 points against the Orlando Magic on Feb. 11 and 27 points on Feb. 20 against the New Orleans Pelicans.
After his 34-point night, Bucks head coach Doc Rivers gave Thomas high praise, comparing him to two legendary microwave scorers off the bench.
“I’ve had Jamal Crawford. I had Lou Williams … And now, I have Cam Thomas,” Rivers said.
The Bucks waived Thomas nearly six weeks later. Thomas’ scoring ability can certainly help teams that need additional half-court shot creation.
However, he struggles to balance his tough shot-making with creating easy looks for his teammates. If Thomas works hard this summer to improve his playmaking and defensive consistency, teams will likely take a closer look at him.
Chandler Parsons Reacts to Thomas’ Release
Parsons does not understand why the Bucks released Thomas. He believes many teams could use his deep shot-creating repertoire.
“That was a mystery to me because Cam Thomas is such a bucket. He deserves to be on a winning team and a good team,” Parsons said.
Thomas is currently an unrestricted free agent as he tries to make his way back to the NBA.
