The Brooklyn Nets and restricted free agent Cam Thomas remain far apart in contract talks, with no resolution in sight nearly a month into free agency.
According to New York Post reporter Brian Lewis, Brooklyn has yet to exceed a two-year, $28 million offer—a figure well below Thomas’ perceived market value.
Per NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Nets’ proposal includes a team option in the second year, essentially a mid-level exception deal. Lewis notes that Brooklyn, holding most of the leverage, has little incentive to raise their bid in a market devoid of competing offers.
However, Thomas’ camp reportedly views himself in the same tier as guards like Tyler Herro and Immanuel Quickley, who secured deals exceeding $30 million annually. The disconnect? Those contracts were signed pre-new CBA, under a vastly different financial landscape.
Thomas could accept a one-year, $6 million qualifying offer, entering unrestricted free agency in 2025. But insiders warn it’s a gamble—few players thrive on this path, and Brooklyn could reduce his role to prioritize younger talent.
“If Cam takes the QO, he’s signaling he’s leaving,” Lewis said on the Locked On Nets podcast. “Why would the Nets invest minutes in a player who’s already eyeing the exit?”
Brooklyn’s reluctance to pay up raises questions about Thomas’ future with the team. Their offseason moves—drafting playmakers and emphasizing defense—suggest Thomas’ iso-heavy style may not fit their vision.
“If they viewed him as a star, they’d have locked him up already,” Lewis added.
With training camp approaching, pressure mounts for a resolution. A compromise—such as converting the team option to a player option—could bridge the gap. But as of now, Thomas must choose between financial security or betting on himself in a risky prove-it year.
