Cam Thomas’ future with the Brooklyn Nets remains one of the most puzzling free agency storylines of the offseason. According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the gap between the Nets and their restricted free agent scoring guard is wider than many expected.

Despite extending a $5.99 million qualifying offer to Thomas in late June. That officially made him a restricted free agent. However, the Nets have “yet to even significantly engage” in contract talks with him. This approach stands in contrast to past summers when Brooklyn aggressively pursued restricted free agents like Otto Porter Jr., Tyler Johnson, and Allen Crabbe.

Instead of re-signing Thomas quickly, the Nets have focused on using their $24 million in cap space to reshape the roster and accumulate draft capital. Moves like shipping out Cam Johnson for Michael Porter Jr. and Terance Mann. Or through adding a future unprotected first-round pick. Either indicate a front office prioritizing long-term flexibility over immediate commitments, including to their free agents.

The market is working against the Nets' restricted free agent Cam Thomas

Article Continues Below
Brooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomas (24) dribbles beside Cleveland Cavaliers guard Sam Merrill (5) in the first quarter at Rocket Arena
David Richard-Imagn Images

The market has also worked against Thomas. As Fischer noted, “he does not really have a market.” This is largely because nearly all cap space around the league has dried up. That leaves Thomas in the same limbo as other notable restricted free agents like Jonathan Kuminga, Josh Giddey, and Quentin Grimes, players whose value is hard to gauge in a market that isn’t actively bidding.

Without significant outside interest, Thomas has two options. Try to negotiate the best possible deal now or accept the qualifying offer and play out the 2025–26 season in Brooklyn before hitting unrestricted free agency next summer, a path former Net Trendon Watford took before leaving for Philadelphia.

Brooklyn’s calculated patience may ultimately pay off in flexibility. But it’s come at the cost of clarity with Thomas. The guard's breakout scoring ability hasn’t been matched by a breakout market. Until a resolution is reached, the Nets’ silence on their young scorer remains a notable wrinkle in their offseason strategy.

More Brooklyn Nets News
Apr 3, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez speaks to his players at a break in the action during the first half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
Insider declares tanking a necessity for Nets during win total predictionErik Slater ·
Brooklyn Nets general manager Sean Marks speaks during a press conference before a game against the New York Knicks at Barclays Center.
Nets predicted to finish dead-last in Eastern Conference in NBA.com power rankingsErik Slater ·
MPJ, DayRon Sharpe, and Cam Thomas in Nets jersey with a question mark in the top middle.
3 way-too-early Brooklyn Nets trade candidates in 2025-26 seasonRohan Brahmbhatt ·
Atlanta Hawks guard Terance Mann (14) looks on during the first half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center.
Nets’ Terance Mann wants to know if NBA can have bench-clearing brawls like MLBErik Slater ·
Nets guard D'Angelo Russell (1) in action during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Brooklyn Nets at the American Airlines Center with the Nets and Lakers logos in the background
Mavericks’ D’Angelo Russell throws shade at Lakers with Nets praiseJosue Pavon ·
New York Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello reacts from the bench against the Washington Mystics in the first half at Entertainment & Sports Arena.
Liberty, Nets partner up with Izzy Harrison for lupus awarenessJaren Kawada ·