ATLANTA — Cam Thomas watched Monday as Cade Cunningham, Evan Mobley, Scottie Barnes and Franz Wagner all earned rookie contract extensions worth up to $224 million.
Many of his other 2021 draft classmates received nine-figure contracts as well.
As the Post reported, Thomas was not given a contract extension by the Nets despite being Brooklyn's leading scorer last season.
But the guard insists he's more interested in starting the season with a win in Atlanta, not becoming a restricted free agent after the season.
“We're getting ready to play against the Atlanta Hawks.” [on Wednesday]. So that's all I'm focused on,” Thomas said. “I don't care about the extra stuff at all. I was just worried about getting the win on Wednesday.”
Thomas, Dayron Sharpe and Ziare Williams were all eligible for rookie extensions, but none were extended. The result was so expected and so foreseeable that manager Jordi Fernandes did not feel the need to discuss the matter with Thomas.
“Yes, the conversation was very enjoyable. I think he's in a good place and I didn't feel like I should go talk to him about his feelings or anything for that matter,” Fernandes said. . “I think he's been great. He's finished the job, so we have a clear path and direction for what we're trying to do.”
Thomas had a tough night on his final trip to Atlanta on Dec. 6 last season. He averaged an impressive 26.1 points, but had only six points on 3-of-10 shooting, five turnovers, and one assist. Although it was only his third game back from a sprained ankle, Thomas didn't expect to get much defensive attention from the Hawks that night. He was still a part-time starter and the Nets hadn't practiced for those blitzes.
But with Mikal Bridges gone and Thomas now the unquestioned focal point of the offense, he'll be at the top of every scouting report against the Nets.
“[The lesson was] Just that they would blitz me. I didn't think he would give me a shock after coming back from injury. Back then, we never really worked on it and we never replicated it as a team,” Thomas said. “But now I'm more prepared and I'm just expecting it. So it should be a better result for me and for the team.”
76ers. NBAE (via Getty Images)
Starting center Nick Claxton missed all four preseason games but is expected to be available Wednesday.
The only Nets expected to miss Opening Day are Sharpe (hamstring), Trendon Watford (hamstring) and Bojan Bogdanovic (returning from surgery).
Hawks star Trae Young averaged 36.5 points in two games against the Nets last season, the second-highest against any team other than the Spurs.
“He's the head of a snake,” Fernandez said. “He deserves all the respect because he's a very good player. … At the end of the day, we're going to do what we're supposed to do: ball pressure, be physical, and we're going to show that from the first moment.”
