Throughout 2024-25, the Brooklyn Nets were expected to re-sign guard Cam Thomas. Thomas, a restricted free agent, hasn’t received a satisfactory offer from the team. Could a Cam Thomas-Nets breakup be coming?
Brooklyn Nets Trending Toward Breakup With Rising Guard
The Nets began rebuilding by drafting an NBA-record five players in the first round of the 2025 NBA draft. Before free agency, they made it clear they would not pursue players on the market. To maintain roster stability, they re-signed Ziaire Williams, Day’Ron Sharpe and Tyson Etienne. In a surprise trade, they sent forward Cameron Johnson to the Denver Nuggets for forward Michael Porter Jr. The team reportedly extended a qualifying offer to Thomas in June, but he remains unsigned.
Selected 27th by the Nets in the first round of the 2021 draft, Thomas was mentored by Kyrie Irving. Known for his shooting, Thomas delivered an impressive season despite an unresolved contract, trade rumors, and injuries. He averaged 24.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists. He continued to show improvement each time he played.
If Thomas and the Nets don’t come to an agreement soon, could another team make the offer he is looking for? Maybe not. In a recent article by Brian Lewis of the New York Post, he credits Thomas with being a rising star and a fan favorite, yet some other organizations are not as impressed. Lewis wrote, “Cam Thomas is one of the more divisive players in the NBA. He has a legion of loud fans huffing his fumes and praising his scoring. He also has a number of league front offices less sold on the young Nets guard.” Lewis continued, “A restricted free agent with no team other than his own in position to pay him anywhere near what he’s believed to want, Thomas’ contractual saga could drag on for a while this summer. And theoretically maybe even into the fall.”
Social Media
Thomas is confident in what he has to offer. However, the process and critiques are frustrating him. He did not take kindly to NBA analyst Zach Lowe’s post, referring to him as an “Empty Calories Ball Hog.” Thomas responded with a strongly worded message on X. He then unfollowed the team on Instagram and deleted all Nets-related posts.
Possible Suitors
Thomas’s gifts as a scorer, passer, and defender could benefit multiple rosters. One team that could sign him is the Houston Rockets because of their available cap space. They have a connection to Thomas through forward Kevin Durant, his former Nets teammate. Head coach Ime Udoka, who is expected to lead the team for many seasons, could significantly influence Thomas. Udoka helped shape Boston Celtics stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
Another team that could make an offer for Thomas is the Milwaukee Bucks, now seeking younger talent. Today’s NBA values players with mid-range shooting and shot creation ability. Thomas matches that style and, with youth, could help fix a franchise’s issues.
The Last Word On A Cam Thomas-Nets Breakup
Nets fans would hate to see Thomas go. Although the team offered what he considers an undervalued contract, they still have time to pitch a new offer. Training camp begins in late September. We may have to wait until the end of the summer to find out if Thomas and Nets break up, but that seems to be the direction they’re heading in.
Featured image: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
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