Insider from NBA management offers forecast for Cam Thomas' potential contract agreement
The Brooklyn Nets are gearing up for a bustling offseason, focusing on rebuilding their roster. Re-signing leading scorer Cam Thomas is high on their priority list.
According to ESPN front office insider Bobby Marks, Thomas' next contract could resemble Anfernee Simons' $100 million contract, crafted a few years ago. As Marks explains, Brooklyn holds the upper hand in negotiations due to their unique cap situation this summer.
"His expected salary in free agency? Somewhere around the 20-million-per-year mark, roughly similar to Simons' deal," Marks said. "Remember, Brooklyn can match any offer sheet. You have leverage in the process until a team moves in with a big budget. But who's that team right now? There's no one with more than $15 million to offer."
The Nets, being the only team set to have considerable cap space, can afford to offer Thomas a team-friendly deal.
Teams aiming to sign Thomas to an offer sheet are restricted to the $14.1 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception.
What's the deal going to look like for Thomas with the Nets?
Marks' reference to Simons' contract serves as a potential benchmark for Thomas' next deal. Both guards displayed impressive stat lines as high-volume ball-handlers for non-playoff teams at similar ages.
- Thomas (2023-2025): 22.9 points, 3.1 assists, 2.0 turnovers, 44/36/86 shooting splits
- Simons (2021 to 2023): 19.3 points, 4.0 assists, 2.0 turnovers, 45/39/89 shooting splits
League sources believe Thomas' deal will fall within the $20–25 million annual range, in line with Marks' prediction. The length of the contract remains to be seen.
If the Nets aim to continue their rebuilding process, a front-loaded, long-term contract for Thomas, modeled after last summer's Nic Claxton deal, could be advantageous:
- 2025-26: $30.3 million (19.6 percent of cap)
- 2026-27: $27.9 million (16.39 percent of cap)
- 2027-28: $25.5 million (13.61 percent of cap)
- 2028-29: $23.0 million (11.19 percent of cap)
- Total: Four years, $106.7 million
Although these figures might seem steep, paying the bulk of the commitment during the rebuilding phase could prove worthwhile if Thomas continues his development.
For reference, players set to earn between 11.2 percent and 13.6 percent of the salary cap next season include: Keldon Johnson, Luguentz Dort, Kevin Huerter, Patrick Williams, Zach Collins, Ivica Zubac, Andrew Nembhard, Alex Caruso, Rui Hachimura, Malik Monk, Harrison Barnes, Collin Sexton, Jusuf Nurkic, Josh Hart, Jakob Poeltl, Duncan Robinson, Norman Powell, and Cam Johnson.
While a lengthier, front-loaded deal could be beneficial, Thomas' talent and self-confidence might encourage a shorter, high-value agreement, offering him the chance to re-enter free agency sooner when more teams have available cap space.
"When I had significant playing time, I felt like I've been one of the top guards in the league in my position," Thomas mentioned after his season-ending injury. "When I get significant minutes in a featured role, the sky's the limit for me. We've seen that the past two years."
A shorter contract would maintain cap flexibility for the Nets and provide a tradable mid-level salary should they wish to pursue a star acquisition.
Once the NBA Finals wrap up, the Nets receive an exclusive negotiating period with Thomas. If they fail to reach an agreement, they can extend a qualifying offer, making him a restricted free agent on June 30.
"I've built some great relationships [in Brooklyn], but it's a business," Thomas said of his looming free agency in March. "I'd love to be back, but whatever happens, happens. I was drafted here, so I have a connection... But we'll see."
- Given Marks' prediction and Thomas' impressive performance, the upcoming deal for Thomas with the Brooklyn Nets could fall within the $20–25 million annual range, mirroring the structure of Anfernee Simons' contract.
- In the event of a shorter contract negotiation, Thomas' self-confidence and potential future free agency eligibility could inspire a deal that offers him high value while maintaining cap flexibility for the Brooklyn Nets, allowing them to pursue trades or star acquisitions if needed.
