Veteran forward Lance Thomas has made the move from one New York team to the other, according to Stefan Bondy of The New York Daily News, who tweets that the former Knick has signed with the Nets. The team has since confirmed the move in a press release, after a handful of reports this week cited Thomas as a likely target for Brooklyn.
Thomas, 31, has spent his last four and a half seasons with the Knicks, though he gradually saw his minutes and role reduced over that time. In 2018/19, he averaged 4.5 PPG and 2.5 RPG in just 17.0 minutes per contest (46 games). At this point in his career, Thomas’ veteran leadership and locker-room presence may be just as valuable as his on-court contributions.
With Thomas under contract, the Nets are now carrying a full 20-man roster. That doesn’t include 2019 second-round pick Jaylen Hands, who remains unsigned. It’s not clear what Brooklyn’s plans are for the former UCLA guard. Brooklyn’s 20-man squad also doesn’t include Carmelo Anthony, who was frequently linked to the team within the last month.
The Nets have 15 players with guaranteed salaries, so there’s no clear path for Thomas to earn a roster spot to start the regular season. However, the club will be able to add a 16th man to its roster after five regular season contests, when Wilson Chandler becomes eligible for the suspended list. Chandler is serving a 25-game ban, so Brooklyn will have a 20-game window to carry that extra player.
If Durant is to be out the whole year, can’t Nets do a disabled player exception and gain an extra roster spot?
No — DPEs are an extra spending tool, but don’t give a team an extra roster spot. The Nets wouldn’t be eligible for one for Durant anyway, since his injury occurred while he was on another team and they signed him after that.
There’s something called a “hardship exception” that can give a team an extra roster spot due to injuries. But teams only become eligible for that if they have 4 or more players who are dealing with longer-term injuries (2+ weeks).
Thanks, Luke!
At least they deserve credit for signing Lance Thomas instead of Melo.
Thomas is a good signing for a team that needs more combo forwards. Thomas is s good vet and be good in the locker room and on the court with his 3 and D game