Cam Thomas takes a significant step toward a comeback as the trade goes up

Brooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomas the return from a several-month absence is approaching. Sidelined since Nov. 5 with a strained left hamstring, Thomas participated in a five-on-five scrimmage Saturday. Although he hasn’t suffered a setback, the Nets are cautious about the point guard’s return timeline.

“CT is doing great. He was 5-on-5 yesterday. He looked really good, and he’ll continue to do that until we feel he’s ready to go,” Jordi Fernandez said. “It’s just a matter of when. We’re not targeting a specific date. We want to see how he feels and then go to the next session, see how he feels and then continue to build from there. Obviously, the No. 1 priority is him and his body. And whenever he’s ready to help the team, he will.”

Thomas strained the same hamstring three times last season, limiting him to 25 games. 24 year old average 24.4 points1.6 rebounds and 2.9 assists on .408/.356/.875 shooting in seven games before injuring his hamstring.

Will Cam Thomas return to the Nets lineup before the trade deadline?

The Nets went 0-7 with the NBA’s worst defensive rating (128.5) during that span. They have improved dramatically since Thomas’ injury, going 7-12 in their last 19 games while ranking 14th in defensive rating (113.5). Michael Porter Jr. and Noah Clowney have turned the offense around during that time, while rookies Egor Demin, Drake Powell and Danny Wolf have shown promise.

Thomas’ future in Brooklyn is very much in question after he turned down a contract extension and signed his qualifying offer this summer. The former first-round pick will be an unrestricted free agent this coming offseason and has a no-trade clause this season. Given Thomas’ uncertain future and the Nets’ improvement since his injury, it’s unclear where he would fit into the rotation upon his return.

Fernandez recently acknowledged the Nets’ improved play after Thomas’ injury. The coach said it was up to him to “figure out how to reintroduce Thomas into the group.” Brooklyn is trying to find minutes for an NBA-record five first-round rookie picks.

The Nets will likely explore the trade market for Thomas by the February 5 deadline. Whether he takes the field for them before then, and how the team uses him if he does, will be a story to follow in the coming weeks.