Dark-horse team could emerge as a destination for Cam Thomas

The Detroit Pistons might quietly be leading the race to land Cam Thomas. According to multiple outlets, including Yahoo Sports, they’re viewed as one of the top contenders to acquire the scoring guard via sign-and-trade if the Nets decide not to meet his contract demands.

Brooklyn reportedly offered Thomas a two-year deal worth around $28 million, but he’s holding out for something closer to $100 million over four years. That’s roughly $25 million per year—an amount few teams are willing or able to offer this offseason. The Pistons have both the cap space and the need to make a move like this.

A recent piece from Yahoo Sports floated the idea that trading both Jaden Ivey and Isaiah Stewart could open up enough cap space for the Pistons to make a competitive offer for Thomas. That duo would free up around $5 million more, which could help Detroit approach the type of deal Thomas is reportedly seeking. ESPN also mentioned Ivey and Stewart as names the Pistons could be willing to move in the right deal to shift their long-term outlook.

Thomas, when healthy, has been electric. He averaged 24 points per game in 25 appearances last season before a hamstring injury cut things short. He’s one of the league’s purest bucket-getters—capable of scoring in isolation or off the catch. But there’s a reason Brooklyn has been hesitant: he doesn’t offer much as a passer, defender, or overall playmaker. His value is mostly tied to putting the ball in the hoop.

That could still work in the Pistons’ rotation. Cade Cunningham runs the show. Ron Holland is raw, and Ausar Thompson hasn’t fully blossomed into a scoring threat. Thomas would give them immediate production off the bench or in hybrid lineups, especially if they move Ivey.

There are obvious risks. Paying Thomas $25M+ annually would eat into future flexibility. And if Ivey bounces back after being fully healthy, they could regret giving up on him too soon. But the Pistons’ front office, led by Trajan Langdon, has made it clear they’re done tanking with a sixth seed in the East last year, and bringing in someone who averaged 24 a night in limited action could help improve their offense.

On the Nets’ side, they still have control. Thomas is a restricted free agent with a $6 million qualifying offer, and Brooklyn seemingly hasn’t shown much urgency to lock him up long term.

The Pistons have the room, the need, and a clear path to offering Thomas a real role. He wouldn’t be asked to lead—just to do what he does best: score. With Cunningham handling the creation and a young, athletic core around him, it’s not hard to imagine Thomas thriving in a simplified role.

It’s not a blockbuster move. But if it happens, it could be the kind of deal that sneaks under the radar now and makes headlines later. The Pistons are positioned to take a swing, and Thomas might be the shot they’re willing to take.