The Brooklyn Nets shook up the NBA world when they traded starting forward Mikal Bridges to the New York Knicks in early July. Brooklyn sent Bridges to Manhattan for four of the Knicks' first-round picks, a 2025 first-round pick swap, and another first-round pick from the Milwaukee Bucks. The Nets' executive leadership had been hesitant to trade Bridges since he first arrived in the spring of 2023. But when they finally decided to move on, it reaped more benefits than expected.
Brooklyn already retained several draft assets from their original Kevin Durant trade to the Phoenix Suns. Trading Bridges to the Knicks only increased their stash. The best part of it all was the Nets regained control of some valuable picks. They have a chance to make a high selection in the loaded 2025 NBA Draft, featuring prospects like Cooper Flagg, Ace Bailey, and Dylan Harper. Of course, this would require the Nets to end the 2024-25 season with a considerably poor record.
It seems that all signs are pointing to the Nets tanking for a couple of years to give them a chance to strike gold in the draft lottery. Brooklyn's decreased expectations also give new head coach Jordi Fernandez a chance to ease himself into the role. However, there is one young player on the roster who could leap now that Mikal Bridges is gone, and his ascent might be more helpful than not.
Cam Thomas could see scoring growth unlike any Nets player in franchise history
Since joining the Nets in 2021, Cam Thomas has seen notable offensive growth. He did not see the floor more than 17.6 minutes per game during his first two years, but he exploded when given a larger role during the 2023-24 season. Thomas increased his previous season's scoring average from 10.5 points to a whopping 22.5 per game in 31.4 minutes of action. With Bridges no longer carrying the offensive load, Thomas could reach heights Nets fans have not seen in a long time.
In February of 2023, Cam Thomas became the youngest player in NBA history to score 40-plus points in three straight games. There is no question of his scoring potential. Fans saw what he could do with an increased role, and his opportunity should only increase now that Bridges (who was the team's leading scorer before being overtaken by Thomas) is out of the picture.
It will be exciting to see what Thomas can do in fourth year as he leads Brooklyn into a new era.