Nets Rumors: Cam Thomas, Dorian Finney-Smith, Dennis Schroder, Cam Johnson

December 2, 2024

The Brooklyn Nets might have signaled a rebuild, but their on-court product tells a different story.

Despite moving Mikal Bridges and reacquiring their own 2025 first-round pick in a deal with Houston, the Nets, under rookie head coach Jordi Fernandez, have exceeded expectations.

At nearly the quarter-season mark, they’re hovering around .500 — a respectable start for a team supposedly focused on tomorrow.

Fernandez deserves his flowers. He’s turned a patchwork roster into a cohesive unit, with veterans playing some of the best basketball of their careers. While the franchise is eyeing future draft capital, the players are making a case that the present matters too.

Here’s the latest buzz from Michael Scotto of HoopsHype on the state of Brooklyn’s roster and trade market:

Cam Thomas: Scorer or Liability?

Before a left hamstring strain sidelined 23-year-old Cam Thomas, the Nets’ leading scorer was averaging career-best numbers. His scoring “superpowers,” as Fernandez calls them, have sparked league-wide intrigue.

But Thomas remains polarizing. Some executives see him as a dynamic offensive piece; others question whether his defensive lapses negate his value.

Owner Joe Tsai reportedly admires Thomas, complicating his trade candidacy. Brooklyn’s willingness to move him might depend on how desperate a contender gets for a young scoring spark.

Dennis Schroder: The Steady Hand

Dennis Schroder’s leadership has been vital. The German guard is posting career-best efficiency, including a 41% clip from deep, and serving as Fernandez’s on-court extension. His expiring $13 million deal makes him a prime target for contenders in need of a veteran floor general.

Multiple executives peg his value at two second-rounders — a solid return for a player delivering more than expected.

Dorian Finney-Smith: 3-and-D Specialist

Dorian Finney-Smith has been a revelation, shooting a career-high 42% from three while maintaining his reputation as a rugged defender. His play mirrors his 2021-22 season in Dallas, when he helped the Mavs reach the Western Conference Finals.

Teams in the playoff mix are circling, viewing Finney-Smith as a win-now piece worth multiple seconds, per Scotto. His $15.38 million player option for 2025-26 adds flexibility, making him an attractive trade chip.

Cam Johnson: The Glue Guy

Cam Johnson is doing his best to hold the Nets together. His offensive production is at an all-time high, and his comments suggest he’s fully bought into Brooklyn’s vision. “I want to build this,” Johnson told HoopsHype.

Executives believe he could fetch a first-round pick, but the 28-year-old’s commitment to the project could make him a long-term cornerstone.

Day’Ron Sharpe and Backup Center Market

Day’Ron Sharpe’s return from injury could make him a trade target for teams needing size off the bench, per Scotto.

The 23-year-old, who becomes a restricted free agent this summer, is already on the radar of Memphis, the Clippers, Pelicans, Lakers, and Raptors.

With Noah Clowney out for a few weeks, Sharpe has a golden opportunity to prove his value—either to Brooklyn or a suitor.

Rising Stock: Jalen Wilson and Ziaire Williams

Brooklyn’s youth movement has bright spots. Jalen Wilson and Ziaire Williams are carving out roles and look poised to be part of the long-term plan.

Wilson’s team-friendly deal and Williams’ restricted free agency status this summer make them intriguing developmental pieces. For now, they appear untouchable in trade talks.

Tyrese Martin: Quiet Contributor

Two-way player Tyrese Martin has caught fire, shooting 56% from three over eight games. He’s gone from a developmental piece to a legit rotation player. His emergence could be another feather in Fernandez’s cap, highlighting the coach’s ability to maximize talent.

What’s Next?

The Nets remain focused on the future while walking a fine line of maintaining competitive basketball. Veterans like Schroeder and Finney-Smith could bring valuable picks, but Brooklyn’s ultimate goal is finding players who fit the vision for the next two years.

Fernandez’s ability to mold the roster into a cohesive group, coupled with the front office’s willingness to strike deals, will dictate how far this team can go — even in a rebuild. Stay tuned.