There's no denying that the Brooklyn Nets have been playing much better basketball as of late. After just three wins in October and November combined, Brooklyn won seven games in December including three of their last five matchups.
That said, trade rumors can't stop swirling around the franchise. Michael Porter Jr. Seems to be a hot commodity, but Cam Thomas may have an even greater chance of getting moved.
Thomas' frustration with the franchise dates back to the offseason where he was hoping to sign a deal north of $20-25 million annually. After the Nets stalled, Thomas decided to accept a one-year $6 million qualifying offer in hopes of returning to the free agent market in 2026. Although he does hold a no-trade clause, now there's even more reason to believe that he might waive it.
After beginning the season as a starter, Thomas went down with a left hamstring injury that caused him to miss 20 games. Following the injury, Thomas has returned to form, but has not returned to the starting lineup.
In three games back from injury, Thomas is averaging 21.3 points per game in 20 minutes off the bench. Prior to his injury, Thomas played 30 minutes or more in five of his first seven games of the season, his fewest being 24.
Since returning, Thomas has yet to play 24 minutes or more, despite having averaged 20 or more points per game over the past three seasons.
While this may seem like nothing to some, his exclusion from the lineup was especially questionable Thursday, considering Brooklyn was without three starters (Porter Jr., Terrance Mann and Egor Demin).
This begs the question: Is Brooklyn purposefully trying to get Thomas to request a trade? If he were to be traded, Brooklyn would be able to receive assets for a player who is almost certain to leave them for nothing in free agency.
Following Thursday's 24-point loss to the Houston Rockets, Thomas was asked about his feelings as it pertained to coming off the bench. He responded with "No comment."
As the trade deadline approaches soon, Thomas' status will certainly be worth monitoring, as he may be open to waiving his no-trade clause in order to secure a larger role before he reaches free agency next offseason.
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