With the NBA trade deadline approaching, front offices across the league are diving deep into their rosters, searching for ways to strike the right deal. The new Collective Bargaining Agreement has added layers of complexity to trade negotiations.
However, for savvy executives willing to get creative, the opportunity to shake things up is still very much alive. The Brooklyn Nets are in clear rebuild mode and chasing the highest draft pick possible. Here’s an in-depth look of their current trade deadline situation
Brooklyn Nets draft capital
The Brooklyn Nets have completely flipped their asset situation. After being stripped of picks due to the Kevin Durant and James Harden blockbuster deals, they’ve restocked in a major way. Brooklyn now holds a staggering 31 draft picks over the next seven years—15 first-rounders and 16 second-rounders—putting them in the same conversation as the Oklahoma City Thunder and Utah Jazz when it comes to draft war chests.
Brooklyn Nets financial situation
Financially, the Nets are in a solid position, sitting just under the first apron. This summer, they’ll be one of the few teams with the ability to sign a max-level free agent outright. While this year’s free-agent class isn’t particularly strong, cap space is still a valuable asset. At the very least, it keeps Brooklyn in the mix for potential signings and salary-absorbing trades.
Brooklyn Nets players to watch
Two names stand out in Brooklyn’s roster shuffle: Cam Johnson and Cam Thomas.
Johnson is a premium 3-and-D wing with positional versatility at 6’8, 210 pounds. Shooting 41% from deep, he’s a plug-and-play contributor for any contender. However, with two years left on his four-year, $94 million deal, only a handful of teams can realistically absorb his $22 million annual salary.
Thomas is an explosive scorer, averaging 24.7 PPG on a team-friendly $4 million salary. A restricted free agent this summer, he presents an intriguing low-cost, high-upside option for playoff teams in need of a microwave scorer. Thomas is currently recovering from a hamstring injury but is expected back soon.
Players to watch for the Nets
Brooklyn landed a historic haul for Mikal Bridges—five first-round picks from the New York Knicks. That kind of return isn’t realistic for Johnson, which is why the Nets may prefer to hold onto him through the deadline. With two years left on his contract, they could find more suitors this summer when teams have more flexibility.
As for Thomas, he’s the more likely trade candidate. His affordable salary makes him attractive to contenders up against the cap, like the Denver Nuggets, Milwaukee Bucks, and Phoenix Suns. Brooklyn has the draft capital to be patient, but expect calls to come in as the deadline approaches.