Restricted free agent Cam Thomas remains unsigned as the NBA offseason slows down, according to Bleacher Report’s NBA insider Jake Fischer. Speaking on July 24, Fischer noted that Thomas is likely to return to the Brooklyn Nets, with little interest from other teams at this time.
Fischer explained that Brooklyn has not made any significant offers beyond a two-year deal with a team option on the second year. This deal reportedly stays around the $14 million mid-level exception range. Meanwhile, Thomas is reportedly seeking a contract worth approximately $100 million over four years, reflecting a desire for a starting-level salary.
The gap between Thomas’ asking price and the Nets’ offer has led Fischer to suggest that Thomas may end up taking the qualifying offer. He said, “Cam Thomas definitely seems to be the most likely player to take the qualifying offer of all of the notable restricted free agents left on the board.”
Thomas views himself as a high-level scorer and playmaker, according to Fischer’s report. The player believes he deserves compensation comparable to other starting players earning near $30 million annually. However, Fischer emphasized that no offer close to that amount has been presented to Thomas.
The insider also compared Thomas’ situation with that of Jonathan Kuminga, another restricted free agent whose contract talks with Golden State are ongoing. Like Kuminga, Thomas appears to be in a holding pattern, awaiting further developments or a decision on whether to accept a lower-value contract.
Fischer mentioned rumors linking Thomas to Detroit, but after checking sources, he confirmed that Brooklyn remains the most likely landing spot. He highlighted that the Nets’ offer has not gone beyond the mid-level exception and that “there are no other real suitors out there for him right now.”
The restricted free agency market this summer has been relatively quiet after an initial burst of activity on July 1. Fischer noted that many players, including Thomas and Kuminga, have not yet found long-term deals.
Brooklyn’s cautious approach may be due in part to the salary cap restrictions and collective bargaining agreement rules that complicate sign-and-trade scenarios. Fischer pointed out that teams are careful about how many players they pay above the mid-level exception.
