The NBA trade deadline has passed, but the biggest earthquake in the league might be the “aftershock” in Brooklyn. After failing to find a suitable trade partner, the Nets officially waived 24-year-old scoring phenom Cam Thomas.
Thomas, who famously bet on himself by signing a one-year qualifying offer last summer, now enters unrestricted free agency as a “microwave” scorer who can change the complexion of a playoff race overnight. While his tenure in Brooklyn ended amidst a roster crunch and a shift toward defensive-minded youth, the market for a player who can roll out of bed and get you 20 points is red hot.
The Bidding War Begins
Sources indicate that a significant portion of the league is already making calls. The Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Houston Rockets, Minnesota Timberwolves, Los Angeles Clippers, Toronto Raptors, New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers have varying levels of interest.
However, the most intriguing name on that list might be the Los Angeles Lakers. Sources tell me the Lakers “do in fact like Thomas’ game” and believe his shot-creation could be a vital spark for their organization. For Thomas, a move to the Purple and Gold would be more than just a career move—it would be a homecoming.
Inspiration Behind the Isolation
To understand Cam Thomas, you have to understand where the confidence comes from. I asked Thomas about the “die-hard Lakers fan” and what drives his unshakable self-belief.
“I know who I am and I know what I can do on the court,” Thomas told me. “I just keep working all the time and stay confident. My opportunity will come around eventually again and when that comes, I’ll be ready for it.”
That readiness is a byproduct of his childhood obsession with the late Kobe Bryant. While many players claim the “Mamba Mentality,” Thomas grew up studying the tape religiously.
“Grew up watching? Kobe,” Thomas said without hesitation. “Of course you have other guys that you like to watch, but as far as admiring and wanting to be like, taking things from? Kobe. I watched all of his videos and his games on YouTube… Everything Lakers I was that. I’m a big Kobe guy.”
Keeping it Light in the Trenches
Despite the high-pressure environment of NBA free agency and the “polarizing” label some analysts have given him, Thomas remains grounded. When he isn’t locked in on the court, he finds his balance through his family and a surprisingly sharp sense of humor.
When asked who keeps him smiling, he was quick to credit those closest to him: “My family. Myself. My teammates of course, they’re funny.” He grew up on a diet of Chris Tucker in the Rush Hour films and The Boondocks, showing that even a stone-cold scorer needs a laugh to stay sane in the league.
The Road Ahead
As the 48-hour waiver period expires, Thomas is looking for a team that values what he brings: elite isolation scoring and an unwavering belief in his own bucket-getting ability. Whether he’s blasting NBA Youngboy in his pre-game headphones or visualizing the footwork he learned from Kobe’s YouTube highlights, Thomas is ready for the next chapter.
The Nets may have moved on, but for a contender needing a late-season offensive punch, Cam Thomas isn’t just a free agent—he’s a primary option waiting for a spotlight.
