Cam Thomas and the complicated situation in the NBA market for some stars

NBA Market: The big stars make more money (just look at Devin Booker's extension for 150 million and two years). Rookies make more money. Second stars of winning franchises make more money. Minimum contracts are higher. But some players are having a tough time with the NBA's new economic rules: restricted free agents.

Especially those from teams not competing for the championship and unwilling to exceed the luxury tax threshold, which has become impossible with the new agreement and Apron. Players like Jonathan Kuminga or George Giddey, who would have easily landed $30 million contracts 2-3 years ago, now find it nearly impossible. The same goes for Cam Thomas, no matter how hard he tries to discredit Zach Lowe for saying that it was impossible for the Brooklyn Nets to pay him that much. 

From a financial standpoint, Thomas' situation in free agency is similar to Jonathan Kuminga's. The player is looking for a contract in the $30 million per season range, while the Nets are considering something closer to $20 million annually. Currently, Brooklyn has about $17 million in salary cap space but could reach $25 million by parting ways with some players on non-guaranteed contracts.

Thomas may disagree with that assessment and try to change it, but Lowe's statement reflects what many executives believe: in a financial environment constrained by the NBA's new tax levels, it will be challenging for him to secure the deal he wants, at least from the external market.

Moreover, it's another case where, regardless of the eventual agreement, Brooklyn will want to ensure the contract is manageable enough to be traded in the future if necessary. An immediate resolution is not expected

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