Averages of 24 points per game, unable to secure thirty million.

This year's restricted free agent market can be described as unprecedentedly bleak. Nearly a month since the free agency opened, there have been no offers from other teams trying to "steal" players, giving the home team significant negotiating power.

The most talked-about player, Kuminga, seems to be stuck in a soap opera with the Warriors that shows no signs of ending. Kuminga still desires a thirty million annual salary while not wanting to stay with the Warriors. However, the Warriors are only willing to offer twenty million, as it facilitates trades.

Grimes' situation is not very clear, but it is evident that the 76ers are not interested in offering him a twenty million annual salary contract and have not been particularly proactive in trying to keep him. The data from the second half of last season clearly shows some inflated numbers, and the 76ers themselves do not lack this type of scorer.

Among the four restricted free agents, the situations of Giddey and Thomas are similar. Both are seeking thirty million in annual salary, but the Bulls and Nets are unwilling to provide that. Giddey and Thomas can be considered young players who are better than some but not quite at the top level, and they have developmental potential, but their contract renewal issues have been dragging on.

Last season, Giddey played 70 games, averaging 14.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists, which looks absolutely like a thirty million caliber. His three-point shooting percentage also improved to 37.8%, and his buzzer-beater against the Lakers became a highlight of the season.

Especially in the 19 games after the All-Star break, Giddey's average stats rose to 21.2 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 9.3 assists, with a three-point shooting percentage of 45.7%, leading the Bulls to a 12-7 record. From any angle, Giddey should be the Bulls' future primary playmaker, but the team is currently unwilling to offer a five-year, 150 million contract.

Giddey's team has a benchmark player; before last season started, Suggs signed a five-year, 150 million extension with the Magic. Interestingly, Suggs was the 5th pick in 2021, while Giddey was the 6th. Who is the better player between Giddey and Suggs? Who has better developmental potential? Everyone has their own answer.

Another restricted free agent, Cam Thomas, the 27th pick in 2021, finds himself in an even more awkward situation. I initially thought the Nets were delaying his contract renewal while waiting for Kuminga's offer, with the Warriors and Nets negotiating, but it turns out the Nets are not interested in Kuminga at all.

The Nets currently have enough salary cap space but simply do not want to offer Thomas a thirty million annual salary, while Thomas is firmly holding out for that amount, leading to a prolonged standoff.

Last season, Thomas averaged 18.2 shot attempts, scoring 24 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists, with a shooting percentage of 44% and a three-point percentage of 35%. Of course, Thomas only played 25 games last season due to three recurring hamstring injuries, leading to insufficient sample size issues.

However, in the 23-24 season, Thomas played 66 games, averaging 22.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.9 assists, with shooting efficiency similar to last season. Averaging over 22 points for two consecutive seasons is enough to demonstrate Thomas's scoring ability.

It has always been said that Thomas's statistics come from a large volume of shot attempts, which is often referred to as "padding." At the same time, his ability to elevate teammates is lacking, and his defensive performance is below average.

It can be seen that Thomas is also trying to change his playing style. Before his injury last season, he became less focused solely on scoring, averaging 3.8 assists, but ultimately his limited ability could not change the situation.

Thomas is an excellent scorer, but beyond that, you cannot see other traits that would impress management. His mediocre physical attributes and basketball IQ determine his ceiling, and in today's NBA, there is no shortage of scoring guards.

The players Thomas is compared to might be Quickley and Herro, who are earning thirty million annually, but in the eyes of management, Thomas's ceiling may only be that of a super sixth man, comparable to players like Monk (4 years, 78 million).

A person's fate certainly relies on their own efforts, but historical processes must also be considered. If Quickley were still with the Knicks, he would never sign a five-year, 175 million contract, but he was traded to the Raptors and encountered a moment of folly from the Raptors' management.

Thomas has been quite fortunate in his career development so far; initially, his role might have been just a backup alongside the three stars, with no possibility of starting. However, he gradually outlasted the three stars and suddenly gained unlimited shooting rights, showcasing his one-on-one abilities on the court.

In other teams, Thomas might secure a satisfactory contract. However, with the Nets, a team that is in dire need of rebuilding and never lacks talent, players like Thomas find it hard to become true cornerstones of the franchise. This year, the Nets selected five first-round picks in one go, including three point guards, clearly indicating their stance.

Moving forward, Thomas needs to recognize his market value and take a step back, even multiple steps, to secure a deal.