Team offensive concepts and multi-skilled players are what the NBA values in 2026, and these values have recalibrated the financial value of a player archetype that once was a staple of NBA rosters, “scorers”. The salary cap has grown since 2023 buy the salary cap pie slices for "scorers" are shrinking year over year. Jan 27, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomas (24) against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center. Barring a late offseason stroke of luck, Thomas may be out of the NBA altogether for the 2026-27 NBA season. Also, let’s not forget the ongoing 2026 free agency mystery of Thomas’ fellow 2025 restricted free agency classmate, forward Jonathan Kuminga, who is still in search of a new NBA home.