“There is no type of baseline”

As they enter the first year of their complete rebuild, the Brooklyn Nets’ decision to extend swingman Cam Thomas hinges on two key factors.

The first and most obvious is his performance in 2024-25. Thomas now appears to be the undisputed first option in head coach Jordi Fernandez’s offense and can reach new heights in the final year of his rookie contract. If he can continue to build on his 22.5 points per game from last season, a big payday for Thomas will be hard to deny.

His league-wide value could also influence the franchise’s decision.

On Erik Slater’s “Bleav” podcast, Brian Lewis of the New York Post revealed how Brooklyn’s rivals assess the 23-year-old’s value.

“There is no baseline whatsoever with Cam Thomas,” he said. “Some scouts think he walks on water, they love him. “Oh, he’s a bucket. Oh, he’s this, he’s that.’ Others wouldn’t touch him with a ten-foot pole. They don’t want anything to do with it. No matter what he gets, they don’t want any part of it.

“I mean, there is no agreement whatsoever between scouts or front office personnel [on] what value he has in the market or how good a player he can be,” Lewis continued.

The uncertainty surrounding the Nets’ opponents makes negotiations more difficult than usual. Without a clear understanding of Thomas’ perceived value across the league, both sides are left without influence. The resolution of this situation falls on the shoulders of general manager Sean Marks, Thomas and his agent.

Brooklyn’s electrifying guard is eligible for a rookie extension through October 21st.

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