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The Brooklyn Nets are just at the exordium of their rebuild.
The trade market was kind to them last offseason, allowing them to stockpile first-round picks while moving a player that wasn’t able to maintain the role they had envisioned for him. On the heels of that decision was an expectation that Cam Thomas would take over as the No. 1 scoring option. A late first-round pick in 2021, Thomas was coming off of a career season, averaging 22.5 points per game.
Nets’ Sean Marks Opens Up About Re-Signing Draft Picks
As it so often happens for teams that are already down on their luck, Thomas then sustained an injury. Ultimately, he was sidelined for 57 games in 2024-25. With that in mind, Thomas is set to become a free agent this summer.
This was an avoidable outcome, as he had been offered a contract extension prior to the season. Nevertheless, instead of heading into negotiations after a career year, he’ll head to the bargaining table after a truncated campaign. Perhaps fortunately for him, Nets general manager Sean Marks sounds as if he wants to re-sign Thomas.
Draft classmate Day’Ron Sharpe, too.
“It’s always great when you are able to draft somebody like those two specifically,” per New York Post reporter Brian Lewis, “and then they get this opportunity to [decide]: Are they going to sign their second contract with us?”
“So, I look forward to the summer, and look forward to those conversations with their agents, and we’ll see where it all plays out. But I do think it’s important to be able to keep your homegrown talent.”
Cam Thomas
In 2024-25, Thomas averaged 24.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 0.6 steals per game on .438-.349-.881 shooting splits.
The LSU product’s scoring prowess was repeatedly praised by Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez, who called it Thomas’s “superpower.” Even so, his untimely injury could lead to him getting a less lucrative deal than he might have had otherwise. At 23 years old, Thomas’s next contract could be his biggest though. Consequently, staying with a team that’s leaning on him offensively isn’t a bad idea.
Over the past two seasons, Thomas has averaged 22.9 points per game on .441-.359-.864 shooting splits. At this point of his career, he needs to start syncretizing his scoring instincts with seasoned decision-making. Though he’s put more of an emphasis on contributing in areas outside of getting the ball in the basket, he also needs to keep working on his playmaking and on-ball defense.
Day’Ron Sharpe
In 2024-25, Sharpe averaged 7.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, 0.8 steals and 0.8 blocks in 18.1 minutes per game; all career-highs. He had his best month in February, with averages of 10.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.5 blocks, and 0.8 steals in 18.6 minutes per game. That month, Sharpe also managed to shoot 5-7 from 3 despite being a career 29.5 percent 3-point shooter.
A relentless rebounder at 6-foot-11 and 265 pounds, the 23-year-old is a solid backup center. Playing behind the ultra-lean Nic Claxton, he not only can provide Brooklyn with depth but a complement to their franchise cornerstone. Speaking on his impending free agency, Sharpe says: “I’m new to this so whatever happens, happens. But I like Brooklyn, so God willing, [I’ll be back].”
More must-reads:
- NBA names Kyle Filipowski Summer League MVP, announces All-SL teams
- Veteran guard reportedly 'a name to monitor' for Lakers
- The 'NBA all-time 50-point game leaders' quiz
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Marcus Smart signing could spell disaster for LeBron James, Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers brought in some toughness and defensive versatility with the addition of Marcus Smart. However, they're now going to have to play financial Jenga. As reported by Bryan Toporek of Silver Screen and Roll, they won't have a lot of money to make any more moves. "After waiving (Shake) Milton and (Jordan) Goodwin and signing Smart, the Lakers now sit $1.1 million below the first apron. Since they’re hard-capped, they cannot cross the first apron under any circumstance between now and June 30, 2026," Toporek wrote. As a result, the Lakers' best hope for help will come once the buyout market starts to take shape. "Since they’re only $1.1 million under the first apron, they currently don’t have enough room below the hard cap to sign anyone to even a veteran-minimum contract. They’d have to shed salary in a trade before they can make another free-agent signing," he added. That's not necessarily what LeBron James might want to hear. His agent, Rich Paul, claimed that he wanted to pursue another championship and that they would assess the team's roster to determine his future. This team got marginally better, but it still needs to add a defensive-minded big man, since JJ Redick didn't seem to trust Jaxson Hayes in the playoffs last season. The Western Conference is as stacked as it's ever been, and it will take more than what the Lakers have to keep up with other powerhouses. So, unless Rob Pelinka works his magic with another shocking trade, James will have to weigh all of his options.
Chicago Blackhawks reportedly set to trade 25-year-old goaltender to Stars rival, Edmonton Oilers
The Chicago Blackhawks, a crowded goaltending situation, and trade rumours involving the Edmonton Oilers have fans wondering if the Stars' rivals could soon upgrade their crease before training camp. With training camp approaching, Chicago general manager Kyle Davidson has five goalies under contract, including Spencer Knight, Arvid Soderblom, Drew Commesso, newly signed Stanislav Berezhnoy, and veteran Laurent Brossoit. Only two NHL roster spots are available, which has fueled speculation that Brossoit could be moved to a contender, with Edmonton emerging as a leading candidate. For Stars fans, seeing the Oilers potentially bolster their crease should raise eyebrows. Edmonton, fresh off a deep playoff run, is looking to avoid the same issues that hurt them late in the postseason. "The Blackhawks have too many goalies and not enough spots, and Brossoit's contract and experience make him a natural trade chip for a team like the Oilers."-Julien Trekker Chicago's goalie logjam and Berezhnoy's recent signing are detailed further at NHL.com. Dallas could see its rival upgrade as Blackhawks explore trading Laurent Brossoit Brossoit, 32, carries a $3.3 million cap hit for one more season. Drafted by Calgary in 2011, he's appeared in 140 NHL games, including time with Edmonton, Winnipeg, and Vegas, where he helped the Golden Knights win the Stanley Cup in 2023. While Chicago decides, Drew Commesso continues to push for NHL time after posting a .911 save percentage over 39 AHL games. For a deeper look at Commesso's performance, his full profile is on Elite Prospects. I think if Edmonton lands Brossoit or even Commesso, Dallas may have to plan around a deeper Oilers team come playoff time, especially given how tight the Western race looks on paper.
The Jayden Daniels effect strikes again as it helps add another key piece to the Commanders' Super Bowl run
Life is great when you know you have a franchise quarterback in the NFL, and it helps when he can recruit players to your team because of how good he is. The Washington Commanders have a new norm of being a top destination in the league as Von Miller headlines the list of players who wanted to join the team for the main attraction, Jayden Daniels himself. Miller signing with Washington at the end of his career proved his belief in the team's chances to reach the Super Bowl and just how good Daniels really is. Von Miller's choice came down to one key factor: the QB Miller signed a one-year deal with Washington this week, and he didn't take the decision lightly. He had many options when it came down to where he wanted to play, but he chose to chase a ring in Washington because of the belief he has in Daniels. The future Hall of Famer told Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post that signing with a team that has a good quarterback was how he made his decision. Enters the Commanders. “It was the best team with the best quarterback. That’s usually the math for me to be able to go and do what I do.” - Von Miller to Nicki Jhabvala, The Washington Post Miller played for the Bills last season and saw firsthand what having a top quarterback in the league can do for a team. He also said that he saw similar qualities in Daniels that Josh Allen possesses, and that he can become one of the best in the league. “You can’t leave Josh Allen and just go anywhere. . . Like, Josh Allen was MVP of the league last year. I feel like Jayden Daniels has MVP potential as well.” - Von Miller to Nicki Jhabvala, The Washington Post Those are massive words coming from one of the all-time greats who has played against and sacked some of the best QBs the league will ever see. A shift in the NFL favors the Commanders Even though this is just a one-year deal for Miller joining the Commanders, the impact can be felt for years to come, with more top players in the league wanting to come chase a ring in Washington with Daniels at the helm. Having a franchise QB on a rookie contract is the biggest luxury in the NFL, and Washington has the best one in the league. Another season with Daniels leading the way gives Washington all the potential in the world to reach the Super Bowl. But then, just looking forward, how dominant can this roster become in the next two years? It'll look like an Avengers version of an NFL roster at this rate. Deebo Samuel, Laremy Tunsil, and Von Miller were the first wave of players wanting to join the Commanders. Washington isn't going anywhere, and they can continue to improve the roster with Daniels being the attraction for players to follow the new trend.
Phillies’ 1.83 ERA starter drawing trade interest ahead of deadline
The Philadelphia Phillies have one of the best starting rotations in baseball. Not only do they have a great front five, but there goes, potentially, eight pitchers deep with MLB talent. Unsurprisingly, with such a surplus of talent, the Phillies are drawing trade interest in their starters. Ranger Suarez, whose contract expires at the end of the year, would be a typical trade deadline candidate. But he's going nowhere. Instead, according to Matt Gelb of The Athletic, the Phillies are drawing trade interest in Phillies right-handed prospect Mick Abel. The 23-year-old starter could be a trade chip if the Phillies find a suitable trade target. "... Same goes for Mick Abel," Gelb writes, "who is drawing trade interest." The Phillies right-hander has impressed in his brief Major League stint, even if he now sits at a 5.04 ERA in six starts. His ceiling, which he displayed in his MLB debut, is enough to captivate teams around baseball. In the minors, Abel has been dominant this season. He has a 1.83 ERA in 12 starts in Triple-A, a significant improvement over his 6.46 ERA in 2024. Abel's progress this season has been incredible, and has teams interested in trading for him. If the Phillies find a trade partner for an outfielder or a dominant reliever, Abel could be a centerpiece of a deal to land such a player at the deadline. With the crowded rotation, Abel might not have a starting role on the roster for the rest of the season. He could go to the bullpen for the postseason run or be dealt to land a high-profile reliever or outfielder. But, regardless of what the Phillies do with Abel, this report from Gelb is a good sign. If teams around baseball are interested in Abel, then his progress isn't just a facade; it's something teams are willing to buy in on.
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