The Brooklyn Nets are at a crossroads, and with Cam Thomas sidelined by a hamstring injury amid an already underwhelming season, it’s time to question whether he should be the franchise’s long-term cornerstone.
With the Nets projected to have a lottery pick in a guard-heavy 2025 NBA Draft, the team must weigh its options carefully, especially when potential draft selections like Tre Johnson and V.J. Edgecombe could provide similar scoring abilities.
The case for drafting a new guard
Cam Thomas has proven he can score at a high level, but his playing style remains isolation-heavy, limiting the overall offensive flow. If Brooklyn selects in the lottery, two high-upside guards in Tre Johnson and V.J. Edgecombe could be on the board.
Tre Johnson, a 6’6” shooting guard with elite scoring instincts, has the potential to be a three-level scorer in the NBA. Unlike Thomas, he possesses better size and defensive versatility, making him a more complete long-term option.
V.J. Edgecombe, meanwhile, brings elite athleticism, defensive intensity, and off-ball movement. Both prospects offer similar scoring potential to Thomas but with a more adaptable play style that could complement a team with multiple offensive weapons.
Cam Johnson a better fit?
One of the biggest concerns with Cam Thomas is his fit alongside other key players. The Nets already had ball-dominant players in Ben Simmons and Mikal Bridges, but these experiments didn’t fit with Cam Thomas, leading to the release of one and the trade of the other. In contrast, Cam Johnson has shown he can thrive as a secondary or tertiary scoring option, spacing the floor and contributing defensively without disrupting the team's flow.
If Brooklyn is serious about constructing a well-rounded team, keeping Johnson and adding a more versatile guard via the draft could be a smarter long-term move. His ability to complement players and a potential young backcourt mate makes him a more natural piece for the team’s development.
Trading Thomas for value
Given Thomas’ scoring ability, he could be a valuable asset for a team in need of a primary offensive option. The Nets should explore potential trade scenarios, targeting either a playmaking guard, a defensive anchor, or additional draft capital. This approach would allow Brooklyn to reshape its roster without losing offensive firepower entirely.
Thomas is a restricted free agent this offseason. Brooklyn would have the right to match any offer sheet he receives. The Nets should still be able to get value via trade as cap space is hard to come by this summer.
As the draft approaches, the Brooklyn Nets must carefully evaluate their future. Thomas may be an electric scorer, but his long-term fit with the franchise remains uncertain especially when better-rounded options could be on the horizon.