The Brooklyn Nets announced that guard Cam Thomas will not participate in Thursday’s game against the Orlando Magic because of personal reasons. This absence comes just before the 3 PM EST trade deadline on Thursday, and Thomas was notably absent from Brooklyn’s flight on Wednesday, according to a league source. The 24-year-old’s situation is drawing attention as the Cleveland Cavaliers and Milwaukee Bucks have reportedly expressed interest in acquiring him, as reported by HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto.
A Trade Expected Since Offseason Over Contract Disagreement
Speculation about Thomas being traded has surrounded the player since the offseason after he declined a contract extension from the Nets. Instead of accepting a proposed two-year, $15 million deal with a team option, Thomas chose to sign his $6 million qualifying offer. His contract includes a no-trade clause, meaning Brooklyn must have his consent before finalizing any trade. Given his diminishing role on the team recently, a trade could offer a fresh start for the young guard.
Performance and Role Shift Impacting Trade Possibilities
Thomas began the season as Brooklyn’s starting guard and leading scorer, averaging 24.4 points with shooting splits of .408 from the field, .356 from three-point range, and .875 from the free-throw line during the first seven games. However, the Nets struggled defensively during that stretch, posting an NBA-worst defensive rating of 128.5 and an 0-7 record. Thomas suffered a hamstring injury in the eighth game, after which Brooklyn’s defense improved significantly, recording the league’s sixth-best defensive rating (111.7) and compiling a 9-12 record without him.
Since returning from a two-month break, Thomas has seen his minutes and production decline sharply as he moved to the bench. Over the last 16 games, he has averaged 12.8 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 3.3 assists, with a shooting percentage of 39.8 from the field and 30.6 from beyond the arc. The Nets have struggled again with Thomas back in the lineup, posting a 4-17 record and the league’s second-worst defensive rating of 120.9 during that period.
Potential Impact of a Trade on Thomas and the Interested Teams
Given the decline in his role and effectiveness within Brooklyn’s current system, a potential trade seems increasingly likely, especially with the Cavaliers and Bucks expressing interest. A new environment could help Thomas regain his earlier form and offer these teams additional scoring depth ahead of the playoffs. For Brooklyn, moving Thomas could enable roster adjustments to improve their defensive deficiencies that have persisted this season.
Brooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomas is drawing trade interest from the Cleveland Cavaliers and Milwaukee Bucks ahead of the trade deadline, league sources told @hoopshype. Thomas is out for tomorrow’s game against the Orlando Magic due to “personal reasons.” pic.twitter.com/fDdX9Brylw
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) February 4, 2026
