Cam Thomas will remain on a minutes restriction amid trade speculation

Cam Thomas it doesn’t seem to re-enter the Brooklyn Nets‘ starting lineup soon. After leading the Nets in scoring through the first seven games, Thomas came off the bench after the return since a hamstring injury, averaging 22.5 minutes in nine appearances.

While the fifth-year guard is nearly three months removed from injury, Jordi Fernandez said he will remain on the minutes restriction longer.

“Right now, we’re happy where he’s at, with the minutes he’s playing with the production, because we’re a willing playmaker. Because we know how well he scores the basketball, and how he takes those steps on defense,” Fernandez said Sunday before the Nets’ 124-102 loss in Chicago. “We need him to stay in those minutes a little bit longer, because as you know, we just believe that what’s most important right now is his body and (how) his body reacts. And we’re going to be careful with that.”

Thomas’ latest left hamstring injury, which sidelined him for nearly two months, marked his fourth in a year. The 24-year-old injured the same hamstring three times last season, limiting him to just 25 games.

Given this, it’s not surprising to see the Nets cautiously approach the Thomas deal. However, the guard’s uncertain future and Brooklyn’s post-injury success undoubtedly affected his role upon his return.

Cam Thomas is playing a limited role for the Nets amid an uncertain future

After the beginning of the season 0-7 with the NBA’s worst defensive rating, the Nets turned their season around after Thomas’ injury. After Noah Clowney joined the starting lineup, Brooklyn posted a 9-12 record over the next 21 games, holding the NBA’s best defensive rating during December.

With Thomas ejected, Fernandez built the Nets’ offense around Michael Porter Jr.’s off-ball movement. The former Nugget has emerged as an All-Star candidate in recent months. Rookie guard Yegor Demin also showed promise with extra reps on the ball.

Thomas, who is headed for unrestricted free agency after signing his $6 million qualifying offer this summer, took the place of Porter, Demin and others upon his return. He is averaging 14.0 points, 2.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists on .408/.340/.813 shooting over his last nine appearances.

The former first round pick responded to Fernandez’s pleas for more play in recent games. Thomas dished out a career-high 10 assists in Sunday’s loss at Chicago. However, he struggled to find his balance as a scorer, scoring three points on 1-of-6 shooting as the Nets’ offense collapsed while Porter was out.

Thomas is averaging 9.8 points while shooting 22-of-70 (31.4 percent) from the field over his last six appearances.

“I’m not going to believe he’s ever going to go 1-for-6 again. So I’m fine with him making those shots,” Fernandez said after Sunday’s loss. “But the ability (of a playmaker), he proved that today. Ten assists for one turnover, that’s elite. And he’s more than capable of doing that. He can see the game. He’s a smart player. They’re aggressive in coverages, and he found his teammates. And his teammates made shots. So he was very proud of the basketball he played. over and over again and that’s CT with the play we want to see.

Thomas’ future with Brooklyn is highly questionable following his failed contract negotiations this summer. His limited role upon his return from injury will add to speculation about a potential trade before the Feb. 5 deadline.