Cam Thomas, D’Angelo Russell, and Day’Ron Sharpe are heading into free agency, and while none are All-NBA names, each represents a different direction for the Nets. Will Brooklyn double down on patience, take a fresh approach, or bet on internal growth? How the front office handles these three could define the team’s future.
Cam Thomas: A scorer on the edge of something bigger
For the past few seasons, Cam Thomas has hovered in that strange NBA space, too talented to ignore, too raw to fully trust. This year, that changed. During this past season Thomas averaged 24.0 points, 3.8 assists, and 3.3 rebounds, all of which are career highs .
Yes, the sample size was limited (just 25 games), but even in limited time, Thomas showed real strides as a playmaker, averaging nearly 4 assists, proving that he’s more than a microwave scorer.
As a restricted free agent, there’s little doubt teams with cap space will come calling, and Thomas is likely to fetch offers well north of $75 million. Brooklyn will have the right to match any offers, but the smart play would be to get ahead of the market and lock him down with a long-term deal. If the Nets believe in developing their own talent, this is the perfect opportunity to show they’re committed to his growth.
D’Angelo Russell: A reunion that still makes sense to keep
D’Angelo Russell didn’t light up the stat sheet upon his return to Brooklyn, but what he did bring was a steadying presence the Nets sorely needed on a young, rebuilding roster. In 29 games post-trade, Russell averaged 12.9 points and 5.6 assists, but what stood out most was his leadership that gave the Nets something they lacked: stability in the backcourt.
With an $18.7 million player option, Russell is likely staying for at least one more season. And honestly? That could work out perfectly, especially if the Nets look to draft a point guard like Kon Knueppel in the upcoming draft. A young floor general like Knueppel could benefit from a veteran like Russell, giving Brooklyn a low-pressure path to develop their next backcourt star.
Day’Ron Sharpe: The investment that could go a long way
Day’Ron Sharpe isn’t flashy. He’s not a household name. But he might be the most underappreciated player on Brooklyn’s roster. In just around 20 minutes a night, Sharpe averaged 7.9 points and 6.6 rebounds, played physically, and brought energy every time he stepped on the floor.
At 22, he’s still developing. But with Nic Claxton already locked up for Brooklyn, Sharpe’s future with the team is uncertain. Letting him walk would be a mistake. Bigs with motor, touch, and room to grow don’t come cheap, especially not ones who’ve already bought into the system.
The verdict: Can the Nets keep all three?
Brooklyn has cap space and flexibility, but this is a rebuilding team that still hasn’t chosen its direction. Cam Thomas has the talent to be a star. D’Angelo Russell has the experience to steady the ship. Day’Ron Sharpe has the tools to grow into something more. Individually, they’re three very different players. Together, they represent a choice, not just about who stays, but about what the Brooklyn Nets value most.
If Nets GM Sean Marks plays his cards right, they could retain all three and still swing big in the draft. The Nets need to keep what’s real. Invest in what’s growing. And build something worth staying for.