The Brooklyn Nets are engaging in trade discussions to absorb salary in exchange for draft assets, utilizing their $15 million in available cap space, league sources said.
Brooklyn, along with Detroit ($14.1 million trade exception) and Utah ($18.4 million trade exception), are the only teams with significant financial flexibility. The Nets can take on larger contracts without facing luxury tax apron restrictions.
The Nets could work with Cam Thomas’ representatives at Octagon to determine his future, potentially through a trade. Thomas is playing on a qualifying offer and will become an unrestricted free agent next summer.
Thomas is averaging 21.4 points per game but has not played since November 5 due to a hamstring injury. His contract status creates uncertainty around his long-term fit with the rebuilding franchise.
Brooklyn selected five players in the first round of June’s draft. Rookies Egor Demin and Danny Wolf have progressed in their development throughout the season.
Third-year forward Noah Clowney is having a career year, averaging 13.3 points, 3.8 assists, and 36.1 percent shooting from three-point range. His improvement represents a positive development for Brooklyn’s youth movement.
The Nets executed multiple offseason transactions involving Michael Porter Jr., Terance Mann, and Haywood Highsmith. Brooklyn rented out their cap space in those deals to acquire future draft assets.
The strategy aligns with the franchise’s long-term rebuilding approach focused on accumulating young talent and draft capital.