The Milwaukee Bucks have won five games in a row and now stand 9-9 on the season after beating the Miami Heat 106-103 on Tuesday night. Without Giannis Antetokounmpo, who was suddenly ruled out with a knee injury, All-Star point guard Damian Lillard had 37 points and 12 assists while shooting 10-17 from the floor (8-13 from three) and 9-9 from the free throw line.
As has been the case all season up to this point, the Bucks were also playing without three-time All-Star Khris Middleton. After his heroic performance in Milwaukee’s opening round loss to the Indiana Pacers, Middleton underwent surgery on both of his ankles. Even though he was expected to be ready by the start of the regular season, it took longer than expected for him to be medically cleared to play. Now he is expected to make his season debut soon after Thanksgiving.
Milwaukee Bucks Star Khris Middleton Was the Center of Trade Rumors Involving Cam Thomas
Even before his offseason surgery, there were trade rumors involving Middleton. Many fans and analysts believed that the Bucks would want to move him in order to get a third scoring option who was healthier.
One such rumor involved Milwaukee sending Middleton to the Brooklyn Nets for electric shooting guard Cam Thomas, who is averaging 24.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.4 assists while shooting 46/39/87 from the floor.
It is unclear what the reasoning would have been for Brooklyn to accept this trade. At 8-10, they are certainly not out of postseason contention in the mediocre Eastern Conference and Thomas is a much younger player than Middleton.
Whatever the rationale behind these rumors, such trade talks will have to be put on hold for the next weeks due to an unfortunate injury update, and for once it is not Middleton’s.
Milwaukee Bucks Rumor Trade Target Cam Thomas Will Miss the Next 3-4 Weeks
According to ESPN’s NBA insider, Shams Charania, Thomas has suffered a hamstring injury and will not be able to play for the next three or four weeks:
Brooklyn Nets rising star Cam Thomas will miss three to four weeks due to a left hamstring strain, sources told ESPN. Thomas ranks 14th in the NBA in scoring, averaging career highs of 24.7 points on 46.1% shooting from the field and 38.9% from 3. pic.twitter.com/x0W20uCnAT
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 27, 2024
If the Bucks really wanted to get Thomas, Middleton and his contract would be the only way they could get a deal done. With their three-time All-Star set to return any day now, it is highly unlikely they would trade him for another star that is going to be sitting out for the next month or so.
It’s not like the Bucks have the draft capital to compete with other trade offers anyway.
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