Free Agency: The 3 Candidates for the Ring Who Could Get Cam Thomas

The Brooklyn Nets made an unexpected move after the trade deadline by waiving Cam Thomas's contract. The shooting guard, who was about to become a free agent, now becomes the most prominent player available in the buyout market and can sign with any interested franchise.

Thomas is in his second consecutive season marked by injuries. His numbers have dropped to 15.6 points per game in an average of 24 minutes, spread over 24 games played. However, he had two very productive scoring seasons before: 24 points per night last season and 22.5 in the 2023-24 season, where he played 66 games.

The Nets tried to move the player before the trade deadline, but interest waned for several reasons: concerns about his defense, his offensively considered one-dimensional role, and his recent physical issues. With his new unrestricted free agent status, several teams are emerging as possible destinations.

Los Angeles Lakers

They already had scoring issues even before Luka Doncic underwent an MRI on Friday. While they brought in Luke Kennard from the Atlanta Hawks to improve offensive spacing, adding a pure scorer like Thomas off the bench would be a boost to the attack. The Lakers' second unit has struggled all season and ranks 28th in the NBA in bench points.

New York Knicks

They face a similar, slightly better situation, with the team ranked 27th in the league in bench scoring. The experiment with Guerschon Yabusele has been a failure (3 points per game), and Jordan Clarkson's addition has also not worked out (9.4). Thomas's arrival from Brooklyn to Manhattan would be a significant reinforcement for the second unit.

Houston Rockets

Another title contender, also looking for more offensive production off the bench. The 15 points per game Fred VanVleet provided have not yet been replaced on the perimeter. Thomas may not offer the defense or playmaking of a point guard, but he could become a new scoring weapon for the Texan team.