Cam Thomas is certainly not lacking in confidence, as he looks to earn more than some of the brightest guard prospects in the NBA.
Cam Thomas has been the shining beacon of hope for the Brooklyn Nets over the last few years. As Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden left the team, Thomas became a fan favorite.
Thomas was one of the many Nets free agents this offseason. But despite his talent and popularity among fans, there has been no movement on a new contract for him.
Thomas wants to stay with the Nets. And while they have an interest in bringing him back, the Nets won’t overpay Thomas the way he’s demanding.
It’s looking more and more likely that Thomas signs the Nets’ $6 million qualifying offer. But if it were up to him, he’d be paid like some of the best young guards in the NBA.
Photo by Justin Ford/Getty ImagesCam Thomas demanding $40 million for parity with league’s best young guards
Lucas Kaplan of Nets Daily put out a report on the currently stalled negotiations between Cam Thomas and the Brooklyn Nets.
A source told Kaplan that Thomas wants close to $40 million in annual salary, which is more than Immanuel Quickley, Jalen Green, and Tyler Herro – three of the best guards in the NBA.
This is the level Thomas sees himself at, and he isn’t willing to compromise.
“One league source told NetsDaily where Thomas sees his market, using comparable players around the league:
“Jalen Green, making $33.3 million per year until 2027-28, when he has a $36 million player option…
“Immanuel Quickley, making $32.5 million over the next four years… Tyler Herro is averaging $32 million over the next two years…
“That’s where he sees his market, if not higher, said the source… This suggests Thomas is searching for an annual salary starting at $30 million, likely closer to $40 million.”
Brooklyn Nets unsure about committing long-term money
It’s hard to understand why the Brooklyn Nets wouldn’t pay Cam Thomas what he wants. He is one of the best young players in the NBA.
Even if you don’t agree with his self-evaluation, Thomas has earned respect through his brilliant scoring outings.
Playing on the Nets means he has gone under the radar. But not everyone is fully sold on Thomas’ potential, and that isn’t limited to just the Nets.
NBA expert Zach Lowe said Thomas is a great scorer, but lacks other traits to be a great NBA player.
Despite a heated tete-a-tete between Lowe and Thomas, few can dispute what he said. And for a team like the Brooklyn Nets that are in a rebuild, they don’t want to commit big money to a player who won’t feature in their long-term plans.
One could argue the Nets are disrespecting Thomas by low-balling him. But with the new CBA in effect, any player who enters restricted free agency and isn’t a superstar-level player will struggle to get what they want.