NETS SIGN LANCE THOMAS AS MICHAEL BEASLEY TESTS POSITIVE

Another strange day for the Brooklyn Nets.

In rapid succession, the Nets signed Lance Thomas and various reports had Michael Beasley leaving Orlando after testing positive for the coronavirus.

Ian Begley was first with the news, later confirmed that the Nets had signed Thomas, a 6’8” forward who hasn’t played yet this season after being waived by Brooklyn in preseason...

After the Nets made the official announcement of Thomas signing, ESPN’s Tim Bontemps and Malika Andrews reported that Michael Beasley, signed last week, had left Orlando.

Officially, Beasley was not yet in the “bubble” with his Nets teammates. Rather he, along with other newly signed Nets Tyler Johnson, Jamal Crawford and Donta Hall, were in quarantine at a location separate from the hotel resort where Nets players have been staying.

Four minutes after the ESPN report, Shams Charania reported that Beasley had tested positive for the virus.

If Beasley drops out, that would permit Brooklyn to add yet another player. Justin Anderson reported Monday night that he was under quarantine with the Nets in Orlando. He presumably would fill the final roster spot.

Beasley becomes the eighth Nets player to test positive since the league shut down in March: four, including Kevin Durant, in the days after the stoppage, and four since the Nets returned to Brooklyn for workouts: Spencer Dinwiddie, DeAndre Jordan, Taurean Prince and now Michael Beasley. In addition, Wilson Chandler opted out of the “bubble” citing family health concerns. (Joe Tsai’s other pro basketball property, the New York Liberty, have also had two players test positive.)

Also Tuesday, Spencer Dinwiddie offered his recommendations to those players in the “bubble,” telling Taylor Rooks...

This is actually Thomas’ third stint with the Nets. In 2010, after going undrafted out of Duke, he played for the Nets summer league. Then, back in October, he was invited to the Nets training camp. In each case, he was waived.

This story will be updated.

• Nets’ coronavirus issues worsen as Michael Beasley tests positive - New York Post
• Nets sign Lance Thomas, but roster questions still remain - Alex Schiffer - The Athletic New York
• Nets’ Michael Beasley Tests Positive for COVID-19, Roster Status in Question - John Healy - WFAN
• Sources: New Net Michael Beasley leaves Orlando bubble - Tim Bontemps & Malika Andrews - ESPN
• BROOKLYN NETS SIGN LANCE THOMAS - Brooklyn Nets