5 storylines to track during the Brooklyn Nets’ 2022 offseason
By Dylan Carter
![Jun 10, 2021; Milwaukee, Wisconsin: Brooklyn Nets head coach Steve Nash sets up a play with forward Bruce Brown (1) and guard Kyrie Irving (11) against the Milwaukee Bucks during game three in the second round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Fiserv Forum (Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports). Jun 10, 2021; Milwaukee, Wisconsin: Brooklyn Nets head coach Steve Nash sets up a play with forward Bruce Brown (1) and guard Kyrie Irving (11) against the Milwaukee Bucks during game three in the second round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Fiserv Forum (Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports).](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/715be112cb67dc9eab43d448966c69fc32bf59a315a30ed854c9817495f791fe.jpg)
5 storylines to track during the Brooklyn Nets’ 2022 offseason: 4. What trades are available for the Nets to improve their roster this season?
With a blatant commitment to a win-now mindset, the Brooklyn Nets will explore every avenue to get its stars some more help this offseason. We have yet to discuss the elephant in the room, forward Ben Simmons, who missed the entirety of the season due to a blend of back issues, mental health struggles, and a trade request.
The conversation begins here: Is trading Simmons on the Nets’ radar? It’s a question that we can only ponder in our minds at this point. Excluding the superstars, Simmons is the player who would fetch the biggest return for the Nets. If the team decides that a package of picks, young talent, cap flexibility, and role players is the way to build a contender, Simmons’ tenure in Brooklyn could end before he plays a game.
Now let’s assume that Simmons is here to stay – where do the Nets turn next? Recovering sharpshooter Joe Harris is owed $38.5 million over the next two years for his services and is somewhat of a beloved figure amongst Nets faithful.
However, the Nets may be interested in moving him along with some additional pieces to bring in a more well-rounded player to enforce the lineup. Options include Myles Turner, John Collins, or Jerami Grant.
Then we turn to the team’s young talent. The aforementioned Claxton could be a sign-and-trade candidate, although the team is more likely to match whatever offer comes his way. It’s clear that Cam Thomas has enormous scoring upside, but does he make sense for a win-now team? The Nets could include him in a deal to bring in a win-now player on a low-cost contract that better compliments the team’s immediate needs.
There are many avenues to explore, and they may lead to nothing, but the Nets are sure to be one of the teams helping to shape the trade market in the 2022 NBA offseason.