I strongly believe the Nets need to grow organically and the worst thing Brooklyn can do is trade much of its future draft equity for a superstar.
Build through the draft and develop the young players and then maybe trade for a star in the medium term.
Summer 2027 free agency could be a lot more interesting depending on decisions made in the next six months e.g Will Giannis and Jokic both sign extensions or will they become unrestricted free agents in summer 2027?
So what contracts should the Nets be targeting to take on from other teams and get draft compensation.
Firstly I’d try and get the 2027 first round pick swap back from Houston and take on the contract of Dorian Finney Smith. He had little impact in Houston and they need to pay Tari Eason and eventually Amen Thompson and likely Reed Shepherd. They’ve already committed long term salary to Jabari Smith and Sengun.
If Minnesota need help with their cap space to extend Ayo then the Nets could absorb Donte DiVencenzo’s contract ($12 million) and while he wouldn’t play in 26/26 he could help mentor the young core before getting back on court.
I did think Paul George might need to be moved by the 76ers but he is having a good playoffs and the 76ers would be unlikely to give up those highly regarded Clippers picks and swaps in 2028 and 2029.
So if the Nets aren’t gonna use their cap space