Recent free-agent rumors make no sense for the Pistons

Betting platforms have listed the Detroit Pistons as the favorites to sign restricted free agent Cam Thomas, who is currently in a stalemate with the Brooklyn Nets. The Nets hold the right to match any offer for Thomas but are unwilling to meet his salary demand of over $30 million per year.

Some Pistons fans have suggested trading Jaden Ivey to acquire Thomas, but this is viewed as a significant mistake. Even without involving Ivey, pursuing Thomas is not advisable for the Pistons due to his high salary expectations and the lack of a suitable on-court role for him on the team.

On the court, Thomas is a ball-dominant player, averaging 20.7 points and 2.8 assists per game with a 31.1% usage rate in 110 games since Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant left the Nets in 2023. This high usage rate raises concerns about his efficiency and playmaking, despite Thomas countering criticism by noting he was one of the league's most doubled players last season—a situation potentially influenced by the Nets' lack of scoring options.

Thomas' style clashes with Pistons star Cade Cunningham, as both prefer operating in similar perimeter and midrange areas, making Cunningham the preferred ball-handler. While Jaden Ivey complements Cunningham effectively, Thomas would likely be relegated to a bench role on the Pistons, which doesn't justify a large contract and may not appeal to Thomas when choosing a team.

Financially, the Nets would match any reasonable offer to retain Thomas at a lower cost, and the Pistons are unwilling to pay his desired salary for a reserve player. Although Thomas is a gifted scorer with exceptional shot-making ability, his fit with the Pistons is questionable due to these financial and stylistic challenges.