Cam Thomas’ surprising decision to stay with Nets raises questions about his future role after failed long-term talks

Cam Thomas is gearing up for another season with the Brooklyn Nets, though it’s not quite the payday many might’ve anticipated. Instead of locking in a long-term, big-money contract, he’s settled on a one-year, $6 million qualifying offer—a decision that’s got a few eyebrows raised around the league. The restricted free agent couldn’t hammer out a more extended deal with the Nets, but this short-term pact gives him a no-trade clause and positions him perfectly to test unrestricted free agency next summer, where the demand could be fierce. At just 23, and coming off a season hampered by hamstring troubles yet still scoring 24 points per game, Thomas is clearly betting on himself to capitalize on a breakout 2023-24 campaign. The Nets’ offers, including a notable two-year, $30 million proposal, were turned down, perhaps signaling Thomas’s belief that his true value is yet to be fully recognized. He’s not alone; fellow restricted free agents Josh Giddey, Jonathan Kuminga, and Quentin Grimes are all still on the market, eyeing bigger contracts down the road. But for now, Thomas is the first to come back on a shorter leash, hoping this strategic pause leads to a louder splash when the market reopens. LEARN MORE

Cam Thomas is returning to the Brooklyn Nets for the 2025-26 NBA season, but on a smaller deal than he probably expected. Thomas reportedly inked a one-year, $6 million qualifying offer to remain with the team after he couldn’t work out a long-term deal with the franchise, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

The move gives Thomas — who was a restricted free agent — a full no-trade clause. It also sets him up to hit the market as an unrestricted free agent next offseason, where he should receive plenty of interest.

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Thomas, 23, is coming off a season in which he averaged 24 points and 3.8 assists per game. He was limited by hamstring issues, however, and played in only 25 games. Prior to last season, Thomas had been relatively healthy over his career.

After two modest years to open his career, Thomas took his game to the next level during the 2023-24 NBA season, where he averaged 22.5 points in 66 games.

The Nets made contract offers to Thomas this offseason, which he declined. The team reportedly offered Thomas a two-year, $30 million deal with a team option for the second season. It also reportedly tried a one-year deal worth $9.5 million — including incentives that could reach $11 million — but Thomas would have needed to waive his no-trade clause to accept that deal, per Charania.

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Thomas was among a group of restricted free agents waiting for a big payday this summer. Josh Giddey of the Chicago Bulls, Jonathan Kuminga of the Golden State Warriors and Quentin Grimes of the Philadelphia 76ers all remain unsigned.

All four players hit the market this offseason hoping to receive bigger deals elsewhere, but the lack of cap space around the league likely limited their options. Thomas is the first of that bunch to accept a short-term deal with his original team. The remaining three restricted free agents could take a similar path in hopes that next offseason is more productive.