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Would ESPN’s proposed trades for the Nets and Knicks work?

By Leocciano Callao

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 28: RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks is guarded by Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets during the second quarter of the game at Barclays Center on January 28, 2023 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 28: RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks is guarded by Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets during the second quarter of the game at Barclays Center on January 28, 2023 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 28: Nicolas Claxton #33 of the Brooklyn Nets. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 28: Nicolas Claxton #33 of the Brooklyn Nets. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images) /

ESPN’s proposed trade:

The only part of this trade that makes sense is what the Nets are giving away. While both young players have potential, they might be better off getting their reps in a smaller market. Sharpe has been getting play time here and there for Brooklyn and has shown his scoring ability, especially with Kevin Durant, Ben Simmons, and TJ Warren being out due to injuries. Meanwhile, seeing Edwards on the floor typically means two things; they’re blown out and waving the white flag, or so far ahead they allow him to run the last lap.

When healthy, the Nets’ primary problem is the lack of size in the frontcourt. Now I hate to knock Nic Claxton, as he has been doing some remarkable work for Brooklyn this season. But when your depth chart has Ben Simmons as the second option at center after the slender man in Claxton, you have to admit there is a problem.

https://twitter.com/BrooklynNets/status/1619791238802046976

Finding the right fit and finding the missing piece are two different things. While Vanderbilt is a solid player, he doesn’t necessarily provide what the Nets need. He is listed as a power forward, a position that an abundance of Brooklyn’s players can fill. The Nets need a true center who can rotate with Claxton. Jakob Poeltl is catching eyes in the market, and the Nets should join the auction. They can offer the same package and throw in one of their second-round picks if necessary. These young players would be better off playing in San Antonio than spending their youth collecting dust on Brooklyn’s bench.

The Nets are at a point when “now or never” becomes less of a cliche and more of a reality. They have finally hit their stride and can not allow anything to weigh them down or miss out on chances to improve.