Nets Cam Thomas needs to end robust for many…
Having missed most of the season, Cam Thomas will probably be trying for a robust stretch run.
To show his accidents had been a fluke. To show he can coexist defensively with D’Angelo Russell. To end off a contract 12 months heading into free company.
And most of all, to win.
“I’m just finishing strong,” Thomas advised The Post and YES Network earlier than a 121-119 loss to Golden State on Thursday. “I mean, that’s just the name of it. I just want to finish strong just to finish strong. I’m not really worried about [my] contract year or anything. I mean, I think all of that will take care of itself.”
Despite the loss, Thomas had a massive evening for the Nets, ending with 23 factors, seven assists and three rebounds in 26 minutes.
“At this point, I’m not really worried about it,” Thomas mentioned. “I just want to finish strong for the team, and then wherever [free agency] takes us, it takes us. But I’m not really worried about finishing strong for that aspect. I just want to finish strong because we want to win games and build something here. So that’s really all there is to it for me.”
Where it’s possible to take him is into restricted free company, however with the Nets holding most of the playing cards.
Cam Thomas, who scored 23 factors, drives on Moses Moody during the Nets’ 121-119 loss to the Warriors on March 6, 2025. Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
There aren’t many groups that realistically can bid for Thomas, and Brooklyn GM Sean Marks is unlikely to bid towards himself.
“As of now, it seems like the Nets have more leverage,” cap professional Yossi Gozlan advised The Post. “I think Cam Thomas’ best chance at getting a big contract elsewhere is with a sign-and-trade due to his restricted status. I think he’s looking at a Collin Sexton-type annual salary adjusted for inflation.”
Thomas’ market might be within the $20 million-$22 million per 12 months vary, a source advised The Post.
A powerful stretch run possible gained’t tangibly change that, nevertheless it definitely gained’t damage.
Cam Thomas recovers a unfastened ball from Moses Moody during the Nets’ loss to the Warriors. Robert Sabo for New York Post
“For [Thomas], knowing him for awhile, it’s his contract year, just seeing him going through his injuries — it’s the first time since he’s been here that he’s really had any prolonged injury — so seeing him go through that and getting back out there on the floor, and then obviously what he brings to the team is one of the best scorers in the league,” teammate Nic Claxton mentioned. “So that speaks for itself.”
Thursday marked Thomas’ third look since coming back from a hamstring harm that had sidelined him for 24 straight video games.
Coming into the Warriors tilt, he had performed simply 4 instances since Nov. 25.
Thomas entered the sport main the Nets in scoring at 24.2 factors.
Cam Thomas goes up for a layup during the Nets’ loss to the
Warriors. Robert Sabo for New York Post
He’d averaged 27.3 in his earlier three video games towards the Warriors, and that features having come off the ground injured at Golden State on Nov. 25.
But he’s additionally missed 40 video games this season.
The Nets could make him a restricted free agent by tendering him a qualifying offer.
That could be $8,741,210 if he reaches the starter’s standards, which might require him beginning one other 11 more video games over the remainder of the season.
Cam Thomas goes up for a layup during the Nets’ loss to the Warriors. Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
If he doesn’t, the qualifying offer could be simply $5,993,172.
The latter situation is unlikely, however the accidents have come at an inopportune time. Especially with money set to be so scarce over the summer season.
Brooklyn is set to have $60 million in cap space, more than double the next-closest crew.
The Pistons are second at simply $25 million.
Utah might clear $30 million however solely within the unlikely occasion that John Collins opts out in a 12 months that no person has money to pay him.
Chicago, Memphis, Houston, San Antonio and Atlanta might have a modicum of cap space, however all are far more possible to have simply the non-taxpayer mid-level exception.
In short, Thomas’ choices are restricted.
“CT is a weapon. Everybody has to pay attention. … [His shot] is going to come. I’m not concerned about it. I want him to let it fly,” head coach Jordi Fernandez mentioned. “Defensively, that’s the next step. Can he be better with his ball pressure, with his defending the 3, following assignments and game plan? So, happy right now with the second game back.”
Thursday marked the third. Thomas will probably be trying for a robust fourth, fifth and so forth for a robust end.
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Tyson Etienne was energetic after getting known as up from G League Long Island and handed his first two-way, however was a DNP. Etienne was born in Manhattan and raised in Bergen County NJ.
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