The Brooklyn Nets have filled 20 of their 21 available roster spots heading into training camp after signing CBA standout Fanbo Zeng. This development places added pressure on the team to finalize the last position, with the future of guard Cam Thomas hanging in the balance. With the roster nearly full, this situation forces tough choices as the Nets prepare for the upcoming season.
Cam Thomas’ Role on the Team Becomes a Key Uncertainty
Brooklyn now must navigate how to manage Cam Thomas’ contract and roster spot without sacrificing the opportunities of recent additions. While theoretically it is possible to sign another player besides Thomas and remove some of the two-way contract players or even Zeng, the franchise’s investment in Zeng suggests they intend to give him a meaningful chance. Securing Thomas as the final roster member on either a compromised long-term deal or a qualifying offer for the 2025-26 season appears to be the most logical approach for the team’s stability.
Assuming Thomas returns, it is widely expected he will occupy the last active roster place, which likely marks the end of guard Reece Beekman‘s brief time in Brooklyn. Beekman, 23, joined the Nets last season via December’s trade involving Dennis Schroder and contributed more minutes late in the campaign. However, with Beekman participating in Denver Nuggets’ summer league and Zeng’s addition, Brooklyn seems poised to move on from him.
Which Players Are at Risk of Being Cut Before Camp Starts?
The Nets face difficult decisions with a crowded roster brimming with fresh talent from the latest five-man draft class. This influx of players creates intense competition, potentially forcing Brooklyn to let go of prospects they had hoped to develop further. Players such as Tosan Evbuomwan, Tyson Etienne, and Drew Timme—currently holding two-way contracts—are all under scrutiny as the team evaluates roster spots during training camp.
Since the Nets can only carry 15 players on the regular roster alongside three two-way contracts, changes to the current setup are expected. The status of these two-way players remains uncertain, with possible roster turnover as camp progresses.
While the prevailing scenario suggests Thomas will claim the final roster spot, there remains a slim possibility of a failure to reach an agreement between him and Brooklyn. Should that occur, the Nets’ lineup plans for 2025-26 could shift dramatically, opening room for greater flexibility in assembling personnel. Although unlikely, this outcome cannot be entirely ruled out.
Implications for Brooklyn’s Season Preparation and Roster Strategy
The latest roster adjustments illustrate the Nets’ challenging balancing act as they aim to integrate emerging talents like Fanbo Zeng and the new draft class while retaining promising players such as Cam Thomas. How the team resolves these final roster moves will significantly affect Brooklyn’s depth and competitiveness in the coming season. Ultimately, the decision to keep Thomas reflects an emphasis on stability amid a tense and uncertain camp environment.