Cam Thomas' Time in Brooklyn May Be Winding Down - And the Clock's Ticking
Cam Thomas might be nearing the end of his run with the Brooklyn Nets. According to league chatter, there's a growing sense that Thomas and the team could be heading for a split - if not by the February 5 trade deadline, then almost certainly by the offseason.
Now, here's where it gets interesting: Thomas has a bit more control over his future than most players on an expiring deal. After taking the Nets’ one-year, $6 million qualifying offer as a restricted free agent in 2025, he essentially holds a de facto no-trade clause.
That means Brooklyn can’t just ship him out - he has to sign off on any trade. So while a midseason move is still on the table, it’s far from a lock.
And even if the Nets are open to dealing him, the market might not be all that hot right now. Thomas has been battling hamstring issues for the better part of the last season and a half, and he’s currently shooting a career-low 40.5% from the field.
That’s not exactly the kind of production that drives up trade value. Combine that with his upcoming unrestricted free agency, and the Nets may be looking at limited return options - unless he finds his rhythm quickly.
Adding another wrinkle to the situation: Thomas recently changed agents. After previously hiring Alex Saratsis of Octagon in 2024, he’s now signed with Thad Foucher of Wasserman. New representation often signals a shift in approach, and with free agency looming, Thomas could be positioning himself for a fresh start somewhere else - on his own terms.
Around the East: Trade Talks, Injuries, and Lineup Shuffles
Let’s pivot to the Windy City, where the Bulls are keeping their phones warm ahead of the trade deadline. According to reports, Chicago has had conversations with the Pelicans about second-year big man Yves Missi.
The catch? The Bulls aren’t eager to part with draft capital, which could complicate any potential deal.
Meanwhile, Minnesota has expressed interest in a few of Chicago’s guards - Ayo Dosunmu, Tre Jones, and Coby White have all popped up on the Timberwolves' radar. It’s clear the Bulls are weighing their options, but without a willingness to include picks, pulling off anything significant might be a tall order.
Up in Boston, the Celtics are proving they’re still a force - even without their All-NBA cornerstone, Jayson Tatum. Sitting at 26-16, Boston has managed to stay firmly in the Eastern Conference mix despite Tatum’s absence due to an Achilles injury.
There’s still no set return date, but signs are pointing in the right direction. Tatum went through a one-hour workout on Monday - and this time, he did it in front of the media.
That’s a notable shift, considering most of his rehab work has been behind closed doors. Head coach Joe Mazzulla didn’t offer a timeline but acknowledged the significance of Tatum doing drills publicly.
“Interesting,” was the word he used - and in coach-speak, that’s saying something.
And finally, in Milwaukee, the Bucks snapped a three-game skid with a road win in Atlanta, thanks in part to a lineup shakeup from head coach Doc Rivers. Rivers swapped out guard Kevin Porter Jr. for forward Kyle Kuzma in the starting five, hoping to inject some much-needed size into the rotation.
The new-look lineup didn’t exactly dominate - it was outscored by one point in 20 minutes of floor time - but Rivers saw enough to consider it a step in the right direction. “Just size,” Rivers said postgame.
“We thought putting size in the lineup would be great. And when you do that, you have to separate the guards.”
The second unit, meanwhile, was a bright spot, with Pete Nance earning special praise from Rivers for his performance.
As we inch closer to the trade deadline, teams across the East are tweaking, testing, and, in some cases, bracing for major changes. Whether it’s Cam Thomas eyeing a new chapter, the Bulls juggling trade scenarios, or the Celtics and Bucks adjusting on the fly, the Eastern Conference is anything but static. Buckle up - the next few weeks could get wild.