With his regular season likely over, Cam Thomas moves into the offseason – and his first free agency.
The Nets' main scorer, a hamstring injury in the season, is expected to become a restricted free agent as he is expected to miss the rest of his schedule.
The young guard says he wants to come back to Brooklyn, but he understands that the NBA is business and can score anywhere he wants.
“It was good to experience all the love from our teammates, our front office and our fans from everyone. I feel like we've built a lot of great relationships here,” Thomas said. “By the end of the day, it's business. I want to come back and straighten it, I just keep playing in front of the fans and keep building the relationships I've built here.
“I was drafted here, so there's definitely a connection here. Like I said, I definitely want to get back by the end of the day. I need to look into it. But whatever happens, it happens. I just have my agent and the front office discuss it. That should be good. I'm so happy to come back when I come back.”
Thomas was injured in Thursday's Chicago loss and is expected to finish the season by averaging a team-high 24 points.
He expressed his confidence that he was doing enough to establish himself as a long-term foundation.
“Yeah, of course. Thomas feels like I'm one of the best security guards in the league when I get the main minutes,” Thomas said before his 122-114 win over the Hawks on Sunday night. “I feel like I've shown it. So there's nothing to really talk about it. But when I have the minutes of the feature role, I feel the sky is a limit to me. I've seen the last two years.”
However, this year will be over with Thomas playing just 25 games.
He heads to a limited free agency from an injured campaign and three hamstring injuries.
Thomas was asked if he had excited him for the first time, and Thomas shrugged.
“I really don't care. It's part of the business. Anyone who wants me, hopefully, is here. I want to go back. But that's what it is. It's just part of the business,” he said. “I'm going to take it every day. I'm not really worried about it because it's going to take a long time now. I'm just about to finish the season, I'm trying to support the guys as much as I can and end the season.”
Realistically, few teams can give Thomas a big offer sheet, and Nets GM Sean Marks is unlikely to bid on themselves.
Piston may be the only other team that can offer him something above the mid-level.
“For now, it appears that the net has more leverage,” Cap expert Yossi Goslan told the post. “I think getting a big deal elsewhere at Cam Thomas will involve sign-and-trade because of his limited position. I think he's looking at an annual Colin Sexton type salary adjusted to inflation.”
Sources said Post Thomas could order between $20 million and $22 million.
The day after the NBA Finals ended, the net was able to begin negotiations with Thomas.
Thomas was asked about his prospects for bashing online deals before entering the market and getting an offer sheet. It's really something my agent is talking about, the front office. I didn't really think about it so I can't really answer it. ”
