Cam Thomas Accepts $6 Million Qualifying Offer With Brooklyn Nets, Bets on Free Agency Future

The Nets tried to retain Cam Thomas, their leading scorer, by offering various contract formats.

Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images

The NBA market gained another hot chapter this Thursday. Despite not being able to reach a long-term agreement with Cam Thomas, the Brooklyn Nets and the 23-year-old point guard agreed to a one-year qualifying offer worth US$ 6 million, according to ESPN insider, Shams Charania.

Restricted free agent Cam Thomas is signing a one-year, $6 million qualifying offer to return to the Brooklyn Nets, sources tell ESPN. Sides were unable to reach a new deal so the QO gives Thomas a full no-trade clause and 2026 unrestricted free agency with 10+ cap space teams. pic.twitter.com/GJCp29rCp1

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 4, 2025

As a result, Thomas now has a no-trade clause and can test unrestricted free agency next offseason. Initially, according to projections, at least 10 teams should have available cap space for him. In other words, the youngster has decided to bet on himself and the impact he can make in 2025-26.

Also Read: PJ Washington Reportedly Signs Contract Extension with Dallas Mavericks

Cam Thomas Stakes Future on Brooklyn Nets’ One-Year Deal for 2026 Free Agency

The Nets tried to retain Cam Thomas, their leading scorer, by offering various contract formats. According to sources, the team sent him two-year, $30 million offers with a franchise option for the second season, and one-year, $9.5 million offer with incentives that could reach $11 million, but no no-trade clause.

Neither of these options was convincing. So, Cam Thomas’s representatives understood that the best strategy was to maintain the player’s future freedom and re-sign with the Nets shortly.

Cam Thomas missed part of the Nets’ last season due to muscle injuries , playing only 25 games. Still, he put up impressive numbers. Overall, he averaged 24 points, 3.8 assists, and 3.3 rebounds in 31.2 minutes.

More than just stats, he drew attention for his defensive performance. According to GeniusIQ , he was double-checked on 18% of possessions, the fourth-highest percentage in the NBA, trailing only Zion Williamson, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Over the past two years, his evolution has been meteoric. First, he went from averaging 9.5 points in his first two seasons to 22.9 points in the following two. Furthermore, Cam Thomas has now recorded nine games of 40 or more points, trailing only Vince Carter, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Durant in Nets history.

Who’s Left in the Restricted Free Agents?

While other youngsters are still awaiting decisions – such as Josh Giddey (Bulls) , Jonathan Kuminga (Warriors) and Quentin Grimes (76ers) – Thomas became the first big name on the restricted free agent list to resolve his future

Now, the challenge is to prove the gamble will pay off. If he can maintain his level of performance and stay healthy, the point guard could be among the most sought-after prospects next offseason. Finally, the painful question looms over fans’ minds as to whether Cam Thomas will be the next youngster to leave the Nets in search of a max contract.

Gulshan Sharma

Gulshan Sharma is a passionate writer with a love for storytelling. With a keen interest in Sports Journalism, he aim to craft engaging and thought-provoking content that resonates with readers.