The Brooklyn Nets and guard Cam Thomas have officially parted ways, a move that signals a long-anticipated shift for both player and franchise. The Nets waived Thomas on , making him a free agent and allowing him to seek a new opportunity elsewhere in the league.
The decision, coming after Thursday’s NBA trade deadline, wasn’t a surprise. Reports had indicated a growing disconnect between Thomas and the Nets organization, despite his offensive capabilities. While the team explored trade options, no suitable deal materialized, leading to the waiver. “I think right now, at this point, it’s a new opportunity for everybody,” Nets coach Jordi Fernández said before Thursday’s game against the Orlando Magic. “And I think that is extremely valuable. Obviously, appreciate his time with us. I’m a better coach than I was before. It’s been fun to coach somebody who can score at the level he can score.”
Thomas, who was playing on a one-year, $5.9 million qualifying offer, expressed his eagerness to contribute to a new team. “Super excited, ready to actually help and contribute to another team,” Thomas told Andscape. “My next team is getting elite scoring, good playmaking, and a good combo guard.” This statement underscores a desire for a more defined role and a greater opportunity to impact winning, something that appeared to be lacking in Brooklyn.
Throughout his tenure with the Nets, Thomas demonstrated flashes of brilliance, particularly as a scorer. He led the team in scoring in both the 2023 and 2024 seasons, averaging 22.5 and 24.0 points per game respectively. However, inconsistencies in his decision-making, defensive limitations, and a recent history of injuries ultimately hindered his long-term prospects with the team. This season, limited to 24 games and just eight starts, Thomas averaged 15.6 points, 3.1 assists, and 1.8 rebounds while shooting 39.9 percent from the field.
The Nets’ decision to move on from Thomas wasn’t solely based on his performance. The team had previously offered him a two-year, $30 million extension, which he declined, opting for the qualifying offer. This suggested a belief that he could secure a more lucrative deal in free agency, a belief that ultimately didn’t materialize into significant trade interest. The team’s record also played a role; they were 4-19 when Thomas played significant minutes, compared to 9-17 when he didn’t, highlighting a complex relationship between his individual performance and team success.
The buyout market is now expected to be active with teams vying for Thomas’s services. Several teams, including the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Milwaukee Bucks, have been linked to potential interest, though nothing is confirmed at this stage. His scoring ability makes him an attractive option for any team looking for an offensive boost, particularly as the playoffs approach. He averaged 22.9 points over the past two seasons while shooting 44 percent from the field and 35 percent from three-point range, numbers that demonstrate his potential when healthy and fully integrated into an offense.
The Nets, meanwhile, will look to utilize the freed-up roster spot and cap space to pursue other options. The team’s focus now shifts to building a cohesive unit around their existing core, and the departure of Thomas marks a clear step in that direction. The move allows Thomas to find a situation where he feels valued and can contribute to a winning environment, while the Nets can move forward with a clearer vision for their future.
The situation highlights the challenges of player development and team building in the modern NBA. While Thomas possesses undeniable talent, his fit within the Nets’ long-term plans was questionable. The decision to waive him, though difficult, ultimately reflects a pragmatic approach to roster management and a commitment to building a team that aligns with the organization’s vision. His next destination will be closely watched, as he seeks to prove his worth and establish himself as a key contributor in the league.
