According to reports, Cam Thomas becomes a restricted free agent after the Brooklyn Nets extended a qualifying offer to their guard. Just last week, Thomas reiterated his desire to remain in Brooklyn, and the team appears committed to keeping its leading scorer.
General Manager Sean Marks has spoken for months about Brooklyn’s offseason plans. Now that the process has begun, criticism and mocking have followed. League executives questioned the team’s draft strategy, especially after Brooklyn selected four guards in the first round. Despite the noise, Thomas becomes a restricted free agent after averaging 24.0 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists last season. Injuries limited him to just 25 regular-season games, but his impact remained undeniable. Brooklyn can match any offer he receives, giving Thomas a pivotal choice this offseason.
Cam Thomas’ Future With the Nets is Clear Ahead of Free Agency
Recently, Thomas has made it clear he wants to stay. Speaking to Marc Davis of WTKR News 3 in Norfolk, Thomas said he “definitely” wants to remain with the Nets while also acknowledging “you have to do what’s best for you in the business aspects.”
Similarly, he told Brian Lewis of the New York Post in March, “It’s a business at the end of the day. I’d love to be back and get that straightened out, just to keep playing in front of the fans and keep building relationships that I built here.”
Thomas’ desire to return and a lack of clear suitors on the open market make it likely for him to re-sign.
Cam Thomas stopped by the studio ahead of Saturday’s community day in Chesapeake. He’s a restricted free agent for the first time in his career and says he hopes he can remain in Brooklyn with the Nets, but understands it’s a business.@WTKR3 @24_camthomas pic.twitter.com/qQWLDK2wov
— Marc Davis (@marcdavissports) June 20, 2025
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From Backup Guard to Starter
Since joining the Nets in 2021, Thomas has climbed from backup guard to reliable starter. He credits Kyrie Irving for mentoring him early in his career. Following Irving’s departure, Thomas stepped into a leadership role and has become one of Brooklyn’s top scorers. He originally signed a four-year, $10 million deal in 2021. With his continued growth, he’s now projected to earn between $20–30 million.
Thomas is Part of a Crucial Offseason for the Nets
Before the 2024–2025 season ended, the Nets and Thomas failed to reach an extension agreement. The Nets have since entered a rebuilding phase, sparking debate about their direction and long-term strategy. After Wednesday’s draft, questions intensified about Brooklyn’s approach to free agency and roster construction. The Nets now hold the most salary cap space in the league, drawing league-wide interest. Teams around the NBA want to know whether Brooklyn plans to acquire talent or continue prioritizing youth development.
In addition to free agency, Brooklyn must decide whether to trade center Nic Claxton and forward Cam Johnson. Both players have remained consistent subjects of trade rumors for several months.
The Last Word
The Nets appear focused on building a younger roster. For now, the team plans to develop its core alongside newly selected players. To stay competitive in both the regular season and playoffs, Brooklyn must prioritize re-signing Thomas. Losing him would mean parting with a consistent scorer and leader who impacts every game. It’s unclear what type of contract Thomas will receive. However, expect him to return given the Nets’ cap space and rebuilding direction.
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