Having missed many of the season, Cam Thomas will probably be on the lookout for a robust stretch run.
To indicate his accidents have been a fluke. To indicate he can coexist defensively with D’Angelo Russell. To complete off a contract yr heading into free company.
And most of all, to win.
“I’m just finishing strong,” Thomas informed The Put up and YES Community earlier than a 121-119 loss to Golden State on Thursday. “I mean, that’s just the name of it. I just want to finish strong just to finish strong. I’m not really worried about [my] contract year or anything. I mean, I think all of that will take care of itself.”
Regardless of the loss, Thomas had a giant evening for the Nets, ending with 23 factors, seven assists and three rebounds in 26 minutes.
“At this point, I’m not really worried about it,” Thomas mentioned. “I just want to finish strong for the team, and then wherever [free agency] takes us, it takes us. But I’m not really worried about finishing strong for that aspect. I just want to finish strong because we want to win games and build something here. So that’s really all there is to it for me.”
The place it’s prone to take him is into restricted free company, however with the Nets holding many of the playing cards.
There aren’t many groups that realistically can bid for Thomas, and Brooklyn GM Sean Marks is unlikely to bid in opposition to himself.
“As of now, it seems like the Nets have more leverage,” cap skilled Yossi Gozlan informed The Put up. “I think Cam Thomas’ best chance at getting a big contract elsewhere is with a sign-and-trade due to his restricted status. I think he’s looking at a Collin Sexton-type annual salary adjusted for inflation.”
Thomas’ market might be within the $20 million-$22 million per yr vary, a supply informed The Put up.
A powerful stretch run seemingly received’t tangibly change that, however it definitely received’t damage.
“For [Thomas], knowing him for awhile, it’s his contract year, just seeing him going through his injuries — it’s the first time since he’s been here that he’s really had any prolonged injury — so seeing him go through that and getting back out there on the floor, and then obviously what he brings to the team is one of the best scorers in the league,” teammate Nic Claxton mentioned. “So that speaks for itself.”
Thursday marked Thomas’ third look since getting back from a hamstring harm that had sidelined him for twenty-four straight video games.
Coming into the Warriors tilt, he had performed simply 4 occasions since Nov. 25.
Thomas entered the sport main the Nets in scoring at 24.2 factors.
Warriors. Robert Sabo for New York Put up
He’d averaged 27.3 in his earlier three video games in opposition to the Warriors, and that features having come off the ground injured at Golden State on Nov. 25.
However he’s additionally missed 40 video games this season.
The Nets could make him a restricted free agent by tendering him a qualifying supply.
That will be $8,741,210 if he reaches the starter’s standards, which might require him beginning one other 11 extra video games over the remainder of the season.
If he doesn’t, the qualifying supply could be simply $5,993,172.
The latter state of affairs is unlikely, however the accidents have come at an inopportune time. Particularly with cash set to be so scarce over the summer time.
Brooklyn is about to have $60 million in cap area, greater than double the next-closest staff.
The Pistons are second at simply $25 million.
Utah may clear $30 million however solely within the unlikely occasion that John Collins opts out in a yr that no one has cash to pay him.
Chicago, Memphis, Houston, San Antonio and Atlanta may have a modicum of cap area, however all are much more prone to have simply the non-taxpayer mid-level exception.
In brief, Thomas’ choices are restricted.
“CT is a weapon. Everybody has to pay attention. … [His shot] is going to come. I’m not concerned about it. I want him to let it fly,” head coach Jordi Fernandez mentioned. “Defensively, that’s the next step. Can he be better with his ball pressure, with his defending the 3, following assignments and game plan? So, happy right now with the second game back.”
Thursday marked the third. Thomas will probably be on the lookout for a robust fourth, fifth and so forth for a robust end.
Noah Clowney has had his first 5-on-5 exercise, making an attempt to return from his ankle harm.
Tyson Etienne was lively after getting referred to as up from G League Lengthy Island and handed his first two-way, however was a DNP. Etienne was born in Manhattan and raised in Bergen County NJ.
