High-scoring guard Cam Thomas will be eligible for restricted free agency this summer after spending his first four NBA seasons in Brooklyn. C.J. Holmes of The New York Daily News explains why he believes the Nets should retain Thomas, writing that while the 23-year-old is challenging to evaluate, he has flashed plenty of upside and has remained loyal to the franchise despite significant roster changes during his time with the team.
For his part, Thomas says he isn’t nervous at all about becoming a free agent.
“I know my value,” said Thomas, who was limited to 25 games in 2024/25 due to a series of hamstring injuries. “I know what I’m worth around the league. It’s not really nothing for me to be intimidated or excited about because I know my value that I bring to a team… I definitely know I know my value and all my work. I think that’s all that matters to me.”
Re-signing Thomas and Day’Ron Sharpe, another impending restricted free agent, is reportedly a priority for the Nets.
Here are a few more notes from Brooklyn:
- As Brian Lewis of The New York Post writes, the Nets have the sixth-best odds of landing the No. 1 overall pick ahead of the 2025 draft lottery, which takes place May 12. They also control three additional first-round picks (Nos. 19, 26, and 27) and their own second-rounder (No. 36). Would Brooklyn consider trading one of those selections? “Yeah, it’s a good question, probably a question more for [general manager] Sean [Marks] than it is for me,” head coach Jordi Fernandez demurred. “I’ll be ready to coach whatever group we put together. And the coaches, as we always try to do, [will] help them get better and show them the way and the habits … and be connected and do all those things we’ve been preaching and build the identity we want to build.”
- Marks has said Fernandez will play a key role in the prospects the Nets target, but the coach didn’t offer many insights about what attributes he’s looking for in players ahead of the draft, Lewis adds. “Yeah, obviously this is my first time as a head coach going through this process, so it’s going to be nothing like I’ve done before,” Fernandez said. “Sean always talks about collaboration, and that’s what I’m ready for; I’m ready to help, and do whatever I can, to give my opinion. But at the end of the day, Sean and his group, what they do is they watch these kids live [and] on tape. They’ve been watching them for a while, so they’re the experts. Me and the coaches will be there to support and help. So it’s an exciting summer.”
- The Nets are projected to have the most cap room of any team this offseason and have a surplus of future first-round picks at their disposal. That doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll use those assets in 2025, according to Lewis (subscription required), who writes that the team might try to maintain roster and financial flexibility ahead of the 2026 offseason.
Should’ve traded Thomas in February at the latest
so what, just in case the Bucks decide to blow it all up…?? Not going to happen. No way Bucks ownership deals Giannis. That is a pipe dream imo. Just keep building this team to the point that becomes a desired landing spot for players. Right now it’s not that but they are ascendant. Just keep it moving forward with the right kind of players… and ones you can root for.
More because his cap space is worth more than he is
And having more future picks just continues to make you a desirable landing spot as long as you hit on the big ones
If bucks acquire Miles Turner then fine.
BKN should let the market determine what Thomas and Sharpe are paid. Neither looks like a starter on a good team, and BKN, without a core in place, needs to be sure any contract for either of them is eventually moveable.
neither will be overpaid mostly because no one else is likely to pursue either and that’s more because no one has the cap space. I think i saw 3/45 for CT and 3/30 for Sharpe. Both look reasonable to me.
But I do not get the speculation about trading CamJ. What would be the point? They already have more draft assets than everyone else. Jordy is not going to be interested in losing again. It’s time to move this thing forward.
The picks are a little front loaded with over 25% of your firsts this year
Cam also is at his peak age and value
Obviously if Gianni’s becomes available you don’t trade him casue he’s the perfect role player next to him
Nets have a great opportunity to set this franchise up for the future. This is a deep draft. Even that 2nd rd pick is valuable. Me, I would seriously consider signing Giddey. Then see what Bulls do. Fears is a solid PG prospect but is very young still. I believe Maluach wii be there at #5. Only NO might trade down for more picks. If someone makes an offer. Who knows what Sixers will do. If Maluach is there. Most boards have Sixers taking Fears.
Nets at six could get Maluach. He can learn for a year backing Claxton. That’s what I do. Then I would pray for Boggie Fland at #19. Really make sure he will be there. Those two picks alone would be amazing for Bklyn. Nets have to ace this draft. It all begins there.
Boogie Fland at 19? cmon cuh
Do you know who he is ????
He’s not even in top 20 on most boards.
that’s what I’m saying, he’s not going top 20 lol
I think minny might take 2 picks and move back
Keith Smith has Sharpe at 3/30 and Cam at 3/45
I like Sharpe but see no need to give him 10 M AAV over 3 years in such a depressed C market – 3/21 to me is still being gracious
*And since when did pre Rfa players get street cred for being loyal?
Did I miss somethin?” Make it make sense
still, both of those contracts would leave both players with value if the Nets wanted to move either guy.
I would do neither of those
Backup c is the most fungible position in the league can be successful at half that price if not 1/4
Cam is not a winning player. I’m just out on keeping him. If he didn’t have enough value to trade in feb then his cap space is absolutely more valuable even if just to eat dead salary in a trade
CamT is a tough one. The guy can fill it up. There aren’t more than a handful of guys who can avg 24 ppg. But because defending is such a big part of the game, I actually prefer to have Thomas come off the bench as the offense on the 2nd unit which struggles to score on most teams.
I think Sharpe can step into a starting role once they move Clax, which I would do this summer. Not a fan of Clax. While there are a bunch of nba center-sized big men in this draft and it makes sense for the Nets to make one or more of their 5 picks a C (i think Raynaud has a very developed low post game), it would be good to keep Sharpe around.
Agree Sharpe is not worth 10 a year
My goodness, how in the world could the Nets pass on an unrestricted Ty Jerome… especially when they can offer more than anyone else…