The Brooklyn Nets have made an offer to Cam Thomas in their ongoing contract negotiation saga, which reveals what they truly think of him.
Thomas is a desirable scoring asset in the NBA, but remains a restricted free agent after he rejected the Nets’ one‑year qualifying offer worth $5.99 million.
The Nets have significant cap space, but have reasons for not wanting to re-sign the shooting guard to a large deal.
Thomas argued with Zach Lowe on X about how people view him around the NBA. Lowe reported that the consensus surrounding the four-year pro was that he is an “empty calories ball hog”. “F— you and the consensus”, was Thomas’ eloquent response.
However, in their latest contract offer, the Nets effectively showed that they agree with the consensus.
Reports indicate that Thomas is seeking $30 million per year from the Brooklyn Nets. Instead, they offered him $14 million a year for two years, with a team option, according to NBA Insider Jake Fischer.
The two parties are galaxies apart. Thomas said he wants to be in Brooklyn next season, but it doesn’t seem that Brooklyn wants Thomas. They just showed the world exactly what they think about him.
Thomas wants to be paid like Jrue Holiday, while the Nets want to pay him like Dorian Finney‑Smith. Thomas thinks he’s a star. The Nets think he’s a role player.
The 23-year-old scored 24 points per game last season, making him the 25th highest scorer in the NBA. He even scored more per game than Joel Embiid, James Harden, and Jaylen Brown.
But he took more shots than any of those players. He shot 43.5% from the field on the season, chucked up 18 shots a night, played little defense, and showed an unwillingness to move the ball.
Thomas gained a ball-hogging reputation, and his self-valuation as one of the league’s stars says a lot about the perception he has of himself.
If Thomas doesn’t come to an agreement with the Nets in the coming weeks, he may well find himself on another team. There are some interesting options out there for him.
The Detroit Pistons, coming off an incredible bounce-back season where they made the playoffs, are viable contenders. They could pair him with All-Star Cade Cunningham in the backcourt for a scary duo.
The Milwaukee Bucks are in the market for difference-makers on the offensive end, as they look to appease Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is considering leaving Milwaukee. The Bucks are currently without a playmaker, however, and Thomas certainly isn’t that.
Meanwhile, the Orlando Magic, who can make a run to the NBA finals in the injury-hampered Eastern Conference, may look to add some scoring talent to their Pablo Banchero-led roster. They could send multiple first-round picks and young assets like Anthony Black or Jett Howard to Brooklyn.
