Overview
- The Nets say Thomas has begun on-court work and will have his status updated in roughly two weeks, with a return targeted around Christmas.
- ESPN’s Shams Charania reports Brooklyn could work with Thomas’ representatives to find a trade while he plays on a qualifying offer.
- Thomas becomes trade-eligible on December 15, would be an unrestricted free agent next summer, and must approve any deal.
- Head coach Jordi Fernández signaled a smaller role is possible upon return, citing team-first priorities and defensive and playmaking demands.
- Brooklyn has defended far better without Thomas—improving by about 12.6 points per 100 possessions—as rookies develop and Michael Porter Jr. flourishes, while Thomas remains a 20-plus PPG scorer on a low salary.