Cam Thomas Hits the Market: Three Teams That Could Unlock His Scoring Potential
Once hailed by Kevin Durant as an “aggressive scorer,” Cam Thomas now finds himself searching for a new home after being waived by the Brooklyn Nets at the trade deadline. It’s a surprising turn for a player who, despite limited minutes, has shown he can fill it up in a hurry. Now, with the All-Star break looming, Thomas is ready to contribute - and he’s making it clear he believes he can make an impact.
“Super excited, ready to actually help and contribute to another team,” Thomas told ESPN’s Marc J. Spears. “My next team is getting elite scoring, good playmaking, and a good combo guard.”
That confidence isn’t misplaced. In just 24 games this season, Thomas is averaging 15.6 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists.
He’s done that while starting only eight times and shooting 39.9% from the field - numbers that point to both his scoring ability and the inconsistency in his role with Brooklyn. After a rocky restricted free agency last summer, it felt like the writing was on the wall.
But make no mistake - Thomas can still contribute, especially for a team looking to inject some offensive firepower off the bench.
Let’s break down three teams that make the most sense for Cam Thomas as he looks for his next opportunity.
1. Detroit Pistons: A Contender in Need of Bench Scoring
Yes, you read that right - the Detroit Pistons are sitting atop the Eastern Conference at the halfway mark. Led by Cade Cunningham’s steady hand and Jalen Duren’s interior dominance, this is a Pistons team that’s turned the corner. But even good teams have holes, and for Detroit, it’s secondary scoring.
Duncan Robinson has stepped up nicely at shooting guard, and Daniss Jenkins has been a breakout story, which made the team comfortable enough to move on from Jaden Ivey. With Kevin Huerter, Caris LeVert, and Paul Reed providing depth, the Pistons have built a solid rotation - but there’s still room for a microwave scorer off the bench.
That’s where Cam Thomas fits in. He wouldn’t be asked to carry the offense, just to come in and do what he does best: get buckets.
Under head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, who’s known for his ability to define roles and maximize bench talent, Thomas could thrive in a controlled, clearly defined role.
The Pistons wouldn’t need him to be a star - just a spark.
2. Houston Rockets: A Familiar Face and a Needed Skillset
The Rockets have been one of the more intriguing teams in the West, blending young talent with veteran leadership. But one thing they’re still missing? A consistent offensive engine for the second unit.
Enter Cam Thomas.
While Houston’s top priority is still finding a true playmaker, Thomas brings something they lack - a go-to scorer when the starters sit. With Kevin Durant now in Houston, there’s also a built-in connection. Durant has long admired Thomas’ game, and that kind of endorsement carries weight in a locker room.
Thomas wouldn’t be expected to start - that’s not the pitch here. But as a sixth man or scoring guard off the bench, he could give Ime Udoka’s squad the offensive punch they need when Durant or Alperen Sengun takes a breather. Udoka is also the kind of coach who can lay out clear expectations and hold players accountable, which could help Thomas lock in and focus on what he does best.
In terms of fit, this one makes a lot of sense.
3. Sacramento Kings: A Low-Risk, High-Upside Flier
The Kings are trending toward a reset. With DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and Domantas Sabonis all on the books for now, the roster feels like it’s in transition. Sacramento may not be playoff-bound this season, but that doesn’t mean they can’t start building for the future.
Adding Cam Thomas would be a low-risk move with potential upside. De’Andre Hunter has shown flashes, but the Kings need more young pieces to evaluate during this transitional phase. Thomas could be exactly that - a player who gets a real audition over the final stretch of the season.
The best part? He wouldn’t cost them any draft capital or major assets, which is key for a team that may be preserving resources for a future rebuild.
If Thomas clicks, great - they’ve found a potential long-term piece. If not, no harm done.
The Kings have also been linked to bigger names like Ja Morant, but those moves come with a price tag. Thomas, on the other hand, is a no-strings-attached opportunity to add scoring and see what he can do with consistent minutes.
Final Word
Cam Thomas is still just 22 years old and has shown the ability to light up the scoreboard when given the chance. While his time in Brooklyn ended on a sour note, his skill set is tailor-made for a team that needs instant offense and is willing to give him a clearly defined role.
Whether it’s a contender like Detroit or Houston looking to bolster their bench, or a retooling squad like Sacramento offering a chance to prove himself, Thomas has options. And if he lands in the right situation, don’t be surprised if he reminds everyone why he was once considered one of the league’s most promising young scorers.