The NBA offseason is heating up, and the Milwaukee Bucks are reportedly making some aggressive moves to reshape their roster. According to multiple league sources, the Bucks have expressed strong interest in Brooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomas and are exploring trade scenarios that would involve Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma as a key component. The rumor has stunned many around the league due to the contrasting styles and potential fit of each player involved, but insiders believe the Bucks’ front office sees a unique opportunity to get younger, more dynamic, and perhaps more future-focused in the wake of back-to-back postseason disappointments.
Cam Thomas, the 22-year-old scoring machine for the Nets, has made headlines over the past two seasons for his microwave offensive outbursts and fearless shot-making. In the 2024–25 season, he averaged over 21 points per game, often acting as Brooklyn’s primary offensive weapon in the absence of a true star. While his efficiency can be streaky and his defensive upside remains a question mark, Thomas’s confidence, youth, and scoring potential make him a valuable trade chip — especially for a team like the Bucks, whose bench unit lacked firepower and youthful energy this past season. The possibility of bringing in a young guard who can create his own shot and possibly grow into a third star behind Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard is very appealing to Milwaukee’s brass.
On the flip side of this rumored three-way deal is Kyle Kuzma, the 29-year-old forward currently with the Washington Wizards. Kuzma’s name has been floated in trade discussions for months as the Wizards continue their massive rebuild. He remains a productive forward, averaging around 20 points and 7 rebounds per game, and offers size, versatility, and championship pedigree. The Bucks have reportedly looked at Kuzma as a potential Giannis-adjacent piece — someone who can slot into either forward spot, stretch the floor to a respectable degree, and also provide some shot creation from the wing. However, Kuzma’s large contract and inconsistent defensive impact have given the Bucks pause, especially considering the financial constraints already squeezing Milwaukee’s roster due to the supermax contracts of Antetokounmpo and Lillard.
So how do these two players connect in a potential trade framework? That’s where it gets interesting. Sources indicate that the Bucks are looking at a deal in which Kyle Kuzma would be re-routed from Washington to Brooklyn, with Cam Thomas landing in Milwaukee. Washington, meanwhile, could receive a combination of young players, expiring contracts, and draft capital — possibly from Milwaukee or Brooklyn — as they continue their rebuild. The Nets, who are in a strange middle ground between rebuilding and contending, would get a more established player in Kuzma who could help stabilize their frontcourt while also possibly boosting their competitiveness in the short term.
The Bucks’ front office, led by GM Jon Horst, is said to be motivated by more than just talent acquisition. The team is facing pressure to retool around its aging core after a second-straight early playoff exit. Damian Lillard, now in his mid-thirties, showed signs of offensive decline, and Khris Middleton continues to struggle with injuries. The Bucks are not interested in a full-blown rebuild, but they do want to infuse younger legs into the rotation, and Cam Thomas fits that profile well. He would give them a scoring punch off the bench or even challenge for a starting spot depending on how the roster shakes out. Additionally, Thomas’s ability to take over games in spurts could be useful in playoff situations where half-court creation becomes essential.
Brooklyn, on the other hand, is trying to chart a path toward respectability after the departures of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden in recent seasons. While they’ve assembled a roster with decent complementary pieces like Mikal Bridges, Nic Claxton, and Cam Johnson, they lack a clear offensive focal point. Kuzma may not be a superstar, but he is a high-usage forward who could help ease the scoring burden and bring more structure to the Nets’ offense. Coach Jordi Fernández, heading into his second season with the team, reportedly likes Kuzma’s versatility and veteran leadership. For the Nets, this trade would also allow them to cash in on Thomas while his value is relatively high — especially since he’s due for a contract extension soon and may not align with their long-term plans.
Washington, meanwhile, appears comfortable taking a backseat in this trade scenario. The Wizards are fully committed to their rebuild under GM Will Dawkins, and moving off Kuzma’s long-term deal allows them greater flexibility going forward. They would likely demand draft picks or young talent — perhaps someone like MarJon Beauchamp or Andre Jackson Jr. from Milwaukee — as the price for facilitating the deal. Don’t be surprised if the Wizards also request a pick swap or protected first-rounder to sweeten the pot.
