Brooklyn Nets: 3 under-the-radar trade targets for the Nets

DeMar DeRozan or LaMarcus Aldridge

Another place the Nets should take a look is in the San Antonio Spurs. DeMar DeRozan and LaMarcus Aldridge both represent strong, but short term options for help next season.

If Sean Marks wanted to fill the need for next year alone, and then reset Brooklyn’s cap space ahead of the star-studded 2021 free agent class, both guys are viable options.

DeRozan may be the better of the two available if the Nets hire a coach that’s up to the challenge of finding his fit on an already complex roster. He posted 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and one steal per game this season in San Antonio.

And somehow, most advanced stats would suggest the Spurs were better with him off the floor.

But DeRozan’s pedigree as a key member of a Toronto Raptors team that won 50+ or more games in his last three seasons at the helm. The fit in San Antonio was funky to start, but the Spurs won’t going to be the team that traded Kawhi Leonard for nothing in return.

Aldridge has had a better run with San Antonio. This season, he’s averaging 18.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists on a near career-best .389 shooting clip from behind-the-arc.

His potential at power forward, or even as a stretch-five in Brooklyn is hard to ignore. Aldridge is another guy who’s resume speaks for itself: seven-time All-Star and five-time All-NBA in 14 seasons.

If nothing else, the Brooklyn Nets have options this summer. Paying closer attention to the names not being discussed may be the key to maximizing any package they can put together. Expect general manager Sean Marks to be active, and make at least one addition to the roster.

It’s been a long time since a summer in Brooklyn had championship aspirations.