Rockets avoided the Cam Thomas disaster the Nets are now dealing with

Houston Rockets v Brooklyn Nets | Al Bello/GettyImagesHouston Rockets fans did not universally celebrate Jalen Green's contract. After witnessing what's happening with Cam Thomas and the Nets, they may want to be grateful for the front office's acumen.

That will feel counterintuitive to some. Thomas just signed a qualifying offer with the Nets. That's exceedingly rare for a first-round pick. Typically, a team and player come to an agreement, or the player hits restricted free agency.

Not this time. Thomas will play (at least) one more season for the Nets for a grand sum of $6 million - life-changing money for most, but a pittance in NBA terms. After 2025-26, he'll hit unrestricted free agency.

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