How much does freedom cost? For Cameron Thomas, it’s valued at 9 million dollars.

Following the offseason negotiations with the Nets, Thomas finally decided to take a one-year qualifying offer of 6 million, combined with a trade veto, securing his fate in his own hands despite losing a substantial salary.

The Nets eventually presented Thomas with two options: the first was a two-year, 30 million contract with a team option for the second year; the second was a one-year deal worth 9.5 million plus 1.5 million in incentives, but he would have to give up his trade veto rights.

Both options were far from Thomas’s expected price. He held firmly to his valuation, as I previously mentioned, believing he was on par with guards earning 30 million annually, so he wanted a contract reflecting that, but the Nets’ offers were worlds apart from 30 million.

In my view, the first option wasn’t bad at all, at least the first year’s 15 million was guaranteed. The only uncertainty was the future, as the Nets might trade him to a place he didn’t want to go. To regain free agent status, Thomas ultimately gave up nearly 9 million in salary, which indeed shows some guts.

After fulfilling next season’s contract, Thomas will become an unrestricted free agent with limitless opportunities, but all of this depends on him delivering a relatively impressive season while under the qualifying offer.

In the 23-24 season, Thomas played 66 games, averaging 22.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.9 assists, with a three-point shooting percentage of 36%. Last season, he only appeared in 25 games, averaging 24 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists, with a 35% three-point rate. These two seasons form the basis of Thomas’s confidence.

However, the Nets have more factors to consider. First, stats from a tanking team naturally carry some inflation; Thomas’s overall efficiency is only around the league average. Secondly, his style of play doesn’t suit being the core of a rebuilding team—he leans more toward being a pure scorer.

Although Thomas consciously increased his passing last season, averaging 3.8 assists but also 2.5 turnovers per game, it proved he isn’t cut out to be a primary ball-handler. He’s comfortable shooting and attacking but uneasy when asked to pass and organize.

Moreover, his defensive level is even worse than his playmaking, ranking among the league’s poorest defensive guards, requiring teammates to cover for him. But can he really reach the level of Trae Young or Luka Doncic?

The most critical reason, and why the Nets have been reluctant to offer him a 20 million annual salary, is his availability. Last season’s hamstring injury limited him to just 25 games. The Nets deliberately gave him over 32% usage rate, aiming to develop him as a core, but the injury kept him off the court, disappointing both sides.

In his four-year career, Thomas’s highest single-season game count is 67, so his availability cannot be considered good. Offering a big, long-term contract to a player with clear flaws, poor defense unlikely to improve, and availability concerns? The Nets’ management is extremely cautious.

Of course, signing the qualifying offer doesn’t mean the relationship is broken. The example of Bridges and the Hornets is encouraging; after executing the qualifying offer, Bridges signed a new 3-year, 75 million contract with the Hornets the following year.

However, for Thomas, his playing time and usage will definitely decrease. The Nets are unlikely to give a player who already seems inclined to leave so much ball possession. This year, the Nets drafted five first-round picks, including Russian high-control guard Jemim and French attacking guard Traore, both needing ball usage to develop. Counting carefully, the Nets selected four guards/wings in the first round.

So next season, Thomas will have to compete for playing time among these young players. The best outcome is that he maintains a 20+ points average, while the worst could see him lose a starting spot, get fewer minutes, and gradually fade into mediocrity. Betting his future on next season is a desperate last resort for Thomas.

Anyway, among the four major restricted free agents this offseason, one has finally been settled. The other three are still negotiating. Kuminga seems likely to accept his qualifying offer as well; the Warriors offered a similar deal, slightly better than Thomas’s, two years for 45 million with a team option for the second year, but Kuminga rejected it.

I believe Giddey is the most likely to sign a long-term deal. He wants 30 million, the Bulls offer 20 million, and the final figure will probably be around 20 million. As for the 76ers’ Grimes, he will likely end up signing a short-term deal worth around 10 million.

October 1st is the deadline to accept qualifying offers. Before then, the final suspense of this offseason, especially the intense negotiations between Kuminga and the Warriors, will surely conclude.