Nets Continue to Build for the Future

There is no question the Brooklyn Nets have opted for a full rebuild, trading more key pieces to contending teams to acquire more draft picks. After trading Dennis Schroder in early December and now sending Dorian Finney-Smith to the Lakers, the Nets have the most draft picks for the next seven years. They were given three more second-round picks in the Finney-Smith trade, totaling 31 selections until 2032. Out of the 31, the Nets have 15 first-round picks, setting themselves up for a potential massive rebuild.

The Oklahoma Thunder have created the blueprint for a perfect rebuild, trading their stars and turning it into a boatload of picks that they have hit on. The Nets hope to do the same, starting this offseason. By trading their major stars and talented pieces, the roster is extremely thin with how it stands. However, with the amount of draft compensation and cap room, they can make a splash.

In a loaded 2025 draft class, the Nets are looking at four first-round picks. Add two second-rounders to the mix; they can hit on prospects right away. They own their draft pick, hoping to find themselves at the top of the draft after taking apart the roster. In addition, the Bucks, the Suns, and the Knicks first-rounders all belong to the Nets. Although these are top-notch teams, the Nets have the artillery to make moves or have a few chances to land a star.

The key is patience, however. The Nets have two first-rounders in 2027, three first-rounders in 2028, and three first-rounders in 2029. It’s all about landing a few difference-makers and developing their young talent into stars. Brooklyn has a ton of ways to operate, with room to trade some of the draft picks, collect even more by trading players like Cameron Johnson, or add key players in the upcoming offseasons. The Nets cleared up over $60 million in cap room, so if the Nets play their cards correctly, there can be an incredible team that forms in Brooklyn.