What the Brooklyn Nets Should Aim for This Offseason
The Brooklyn Nets finished this season with a record of 26-56, putting them 12th in the Eastern Conference. This offseason does not provide the big-market free agents that previous NBA seasons have provided. That doesn't mean the Nets can’t make things interesting. Here are some things they can aim for to make this offseason enjoyable and interesting for years to come.
Trade For A Superstar
The Brooklyn Nets have had their fair share of superstars over the last few years. Most notably, they have acquired James Harden, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Durant. One superstar who is quietly on the market is Trae Young. Young has become public enemy number one in New York with some of the things he has said and done in the past. However, Young has the opportunity to come to New York, become its leader, and grow to be beloved by fans. The Nets should offer anything at the table during free agency. Some players that should be considered to be moved in a trade for Young are Ziaire Williams, Cam Johnson, Cam Thomas, and the Nets' 26th and 27th picks in the NBA Draft. That would set up the Atlanta Hawks with a promising foundation can start over.
Free Agents This Summer
There are some key players in mind that the Nets can aim for to pair up with Young if that trade happens: Julius Randle and Myles Turner. Turner, a consistent center who barely misses games, is precisely the type of hard-working big man that New Yorkers would love to see play for them. Randle is very familiar with a New York audience, so it wouldn’t take long for him to adjust to everything, along with being one of its leaders this time. Randle is also a reliable player whose numbers have dipped while in Minnesota due to being Anthony Edwards' co-star. If bringing one of these stars to accompany Young is accomplished, it’ll make the Nets at least playoff-bound. The Nets have over $90 million in practical cap space this summer.
Keeping Key Players
Two players the Nets need to re-sign and not get away from are D’Angelo Russell and Nic Claxton. Those two and Cam Johnson were the leaders for the Nets last season. Russell is a former All-Star looking for a permanent home. He is a changed player and a different man from his first stint with the Nets. The Nets can rely on his experience and play to lead the team if all else fails. Claxton has been a consistent rebounder and scorer. If the Nets get Myles Turner, look for Claxton to be his backup or even play side-by-side during certain games. If the Brooklyn Nets achieve some of these things, they set themselves up to attract more stars in the 2026 NBA Free Agency Period.
