The possibility of Lonzo Ball joining the Golden State Warriors appeared to increase on Sunday as the Milwaukee Bucks swiftly signed one of the season’s notable free agents following the NBA trade deadline. This development impacts the Warriors’ roster decisions amid ongoing adjustments.
On the same day, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the Brooklyn Nets agreed to a rest-of-season contract with 24-year-old guard Cam Thomas, who was unexpectedly waived by the Nets after the deadline. Thomas’ availability had sparked speculation about his next destination in the league.
Impact of Cam Thomas Joining Bucks on Warriors’ Interest in Lonzo Ball
Cam Thomas was not directly linked to Golden State, yet many fans and analysts suggested his scoring skill set could boost the Warriors’ offense, especially while key players Jimmy Butler and Stephen Curry remain sidelined. Despite his limited role this season with the Brooklyn Nets, Thomas posted a career-best 24 points and 3.8 assists per game last year, shooting 43.8% overall and 43.9% from beyond the arc.
“Free agent guard Cam Thomas has agreed to a deal with the Milwaukee Bucks, his agent Tony Ronzone of Wasserman tells ESPN. Thomas, 24, averaged 21.4 points per game over the last three seasons with the Nets. pic.twitter.com/ki1SIWBG6G” – Shams Charania, NBA Insider
With Thomas committed to Milwaukee, the Warriors no longer have the option to add the scoring guard, placing Lonzo Ball at the forefront of their offseason targeting. Ball, once the second overall pick, was traded by the Cleveland Cavaliers and waived by the Utah Jazz before the deadline, making him available for potential acquisition.
Other Player Options and Lonzo Ball’s Potential Fit in Golden State
Besides Ball, Haywood Highsmith, a former Miami Heat teammate of Jimmy Butler, remains a possible addition for Golden State. However, NBA insider Jake Fischer recently linked Ball to the Warriors, mentioning that finalizing a deal would depend on viewing his medical report. Fischer also noted that the Denver Nuggets, another Western Conference rival, expressed interest in the 28-year-old guard.
During his 35 games with the Cavaliers this season, Ball averaged 4.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.3 steals. His shooting percentages, however, were underwhelming—30.1% from the floor and just 20.2% from three-point range. These statistics and his past injury concerns have left some Warriors fans uneasy about his addition, although many agree that Ball’s playing style aligns more closely with the franchise’s system under coach Steve Kerr compared to Thomas.
Roster Changes and Warriors’ Strategy Moving Forward
Recently, Golden State shifted Pat Spencer from a two-way contract to a standard deal but still maintains an open roster spot after trading Jonathan Kuminga, Buddy Hield, and Trayce Jackson-Davis before the deadline. While the Warriors could operate with only 14 players, the absence of Butler, the Curry brothers, and the squad’s aging core suggests they will likely add a 15th player to strengthen depth.
All indications point to Lonzo Ball as the leading candidate to fill this final roster spot, should medical clearance be granted. His acquisition could provide the Warriors with additional ball-handling and defensive versatility needed during a challenging phase of the season.
Free agent guard Cam Thomas has agreed to a deal with the Milwaukee Bucks, his agent Tony Ronzone of Wasserman tells ESPN. Thomas, 24, averaged 21.4 points per game over the last three seasons with the Nets. pic.twitter.com/ki1SIWBG6G
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 8, 2026
Golden State still has to go through Lonzo Ball’s medical before finalizing his addition. Denver was another team that showed interest in Ball, sources say. https://t.co/rdrhCVa6Xj
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) February 7, 2026
