Nets Explored Cam Thomas-Lonzo Ball Trade With Cavaliers

Brooklyn tried to move Thomas before waiving him, but a deal for Ball never materialized.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 6:55pm

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The Brooklyn Nets reportedly explored trading guard Cam Thomas to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for guard Lonzo Ball before ultimately waiving Thomas. The proposed deal did not come to fruition, and the Nets ended up releasing Thomas as a free agent.

Why it matters

This trade discussion highlights the Nets' efforts to find a suitable trade partner for Thomas, who had a no-trade clause due to accepting his qualifying offer. The potential swap with the Cavaliers for Ball, who has struggled in Cleveland, suggests both teams were looking to shake up their rosters before the trade deadline.

The details

According to The Athletic's Mike Vorkunov, the Nets "looked but did not find a suitable offer" for Thomas. There were discussions with the Cavaliers about a deal that would have sent Ball to Brooklyn, but "that did not go far and Thomas might not have stayed with the Cavaliers even if it had happened." Ball was ultimately traded to the Utah Jazz for cap relief. Instead, Thomas was waived by the Nets and will now become a free agent.

  • On Thursday, the Nets decided to waive guard Cam Thomas.
  • Prior to the trade deadline, Thomas was drawing interest from the Cavaliers and Milwaukee Bucks.

The players

Cam Thomas

A 24-year-old guard who averaged 15.6 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game for the Nets this season.

Lonzo Ball

A 28-year-old guard who is averaging 4.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game for the Cavaliers this season.

Brooklyn Nets

An NBA team based in Brooklyn, New York.

Cleveland Cavaliers

An NBA team based in Cleveland, Ohio.

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What they’re saying

“The Nets looked but did not find a suitable offer. There had been talks with the Cleveland Cavaliers on a deal that would have sent Lonzo Ball to Brooklyn, league sources said.”

— Mike Vorkunov, Reporter (The Athletic)

“But that did not go far and Thomas might not have stayed with the Cavaliers even if it had happened.”

— Mike Vorkunov, Reporter (The Athletic)

What’s next

The Nets will now look to fill the roster spot left by Thomas, who will become a free agent and seek a new team.

The takeaway

This trade discussion highlights the Nets' efforts to find a new home for Cam Thomas, who had a no-trade clause, and the team's willingness to explore deals involving Lonzo Ball and the Cavaliers as they look to reshape their roster.