NBA Trade Deadline: Brooklyn Releases Cam Thomas
Roster moves — The Brooklyn Nets waived Cam Thomas and Haywood Highsmith after trades with the Toronto Raptors and Los Angeles Clippers, continuing their rebuild by bringing in Ochai Agbaji and opening cap space.
Photo Credit : © Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Brooklyn Nets officially announced today a three-team trade involving the Raptors and the Clippers. In this transaction, Brooklyn traded the rights to 29-year-old Vanja Marinkovic for Ochai Agbaji, a 2032 second-round pick (via Toronto), and financial considerations from the Clippers.
Cam Thomas Released Despite Scorer Status
Shortly after the trade was finalized, the Nets made the surprising decision to release Cam Thomas, one of their top scorers. According to Shams Charania: « Allowing the guard to become a free agent, according to ESPN sources. The Nets made the decision to allow Thomas to find a new home. »
Thomas, who was set to become a restricted free agent, can now explore the market freely. This decision aligns with the organization’s rebuilding strategy, despite the player’s consistent offensive performances in recent seasons, although he has been hampered by various injuries.
The Brooklyn Nets are waiving Cam Thomas, allowing the scoring guard to enter free agency, sources tell ESPN. The Nets made the decision to allow Thomas to find a new home. pic.twitter.com/sK75uB6ZV1
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 5, 2026
Highsmith Sacrificed to Meet Roster Limit
The Nets also released forward Haywood Highsmith to meet the roster limit following Agbaji‘s arrival. The 29-year-old veteran had not played this season for Brooklyn due to his recovery from knee surgery during the offseason.
Last season with the Miami Heat, Highsmith averaged 6.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.5 assists with 45.8% shooting and 38.2% from three-point range. He established himself as a reliable rotation player for Miami over three seasons, building a reputation as a defensive forward capable of shooting threes during the playoffs.
Agbaji, selected 14th in the 2022 NBA draft, is averaging 4.3 points and 2.3 rebounds per game this season. He is in the final year of his $6.4 million rookie contract and will become a restricted free agent this summer. The Raptors acquired Chris Paul in this trade, but he is also expected to be released.
With nearly $9 million in salary cap space, Brooklyn has the most financial flexibility in the league. This position could allow them to acquire additional players and draft picks, with the goal of developing young talent while accumulating assets to complete a long-term rebuild.
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