BREAKING: Restricted free agent Cam Thomas has officially signed a one-year, $6 million qualifying offer to return to the Brooklyn Nets, sources confirmed to ESPN just moments ago. This decision comes after the Nets were unable to secure a long-term contract with the 23-year-old high-scoring guard.
The qualifying offer not only grants Thomas a full no-trade clause but also positions him for unrestricted free agency next summer, with at least 10 teams expected to have available cap space. Thomas stands out as the first among the remaining restricted free agents in the NBA to finalize a decision, surpassing other notable players like Josh Giddey of the Chicago Bulls and Jonathan Kuminga of the Golden State Warriors.
Thomas’s representatives, Ron Shade and Alex Saratsis of Octagon, engaged in negotiations with the Nets but declined offers of a two-year deal worth $30 million with a team option for the second season, as well as a one-year contract valued at $9.5 million with incentives that could elevate it to $11 million while forfeiting the no-trade clause.
Last season, Thomas showcased his scoring prowess, averaging 24.0 points, 3.8 assists, and 3.3 rebounds in just 25 games due to hamstring injuries that limited his play. This was the first time in his career he faced significant time away from the court. His performance included being double-teamed on 18% of his touches, ranking him fourth among players with at least 1,000 touches during the 2024-25 season, behind only stars like Zion Williamson and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
In the past two seasons, Thomas has averaged 22.9 points over 31.4 minutes per game, a significant leap from his initial two seasons where he averaged just 9.5 points. Notably, he has recorded nine career games scoring over 40 points, the fourth highest in Nets history, only trailing legends like Vince Carter and Kyrie Irving.
NEXT STEPS: Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as Thomas prepares for the upcoming season, with expectations high for his performance as he enters unrestricted free agency next summer. The urgency around Thomas’s decision marks a pivotal moment for the Nets as they look to build a competitive roster moving forward.
