Nets’ Complete 2024 NBA Trade Deadline Preview, Predictions
Nets’ Complete 2024 NBA Trade Deadline Preview, Predictions0 of 3
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The Brooklyn Nets are a sneaky candidate to go berserk between now and the upcoming Feb. 8 NBA trade deadline.
They aren’t good enough to compete as currently constructed, but they could reasonably talk themselves into virtually any type of trade.
If they want to capitalize on Mikal Bridges’ prime years, then the time to get him more help is right now. That being said, they have a rising loss column and a handful of useful veterans on expiring contracts, so they could absolutely opt for some future-focused selling, too. Depending on the deals, it could even make sense for them to both add some established talent but also subtract some of their players to gain picks or prospects.
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Because Brooklyn’s deadline direction isn’t entirely certain, assets must be weighed for both buying and selling.
If the Nets are searching for upgrades, they have the draft capital to catch anyone’s attention. They have five future firsts coming from the Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns and Philadelphia 76ers, and four of them are unprotected. It’s worth noting, though, this collection isn’t quite as strong as it seems, since the Houston Rockets control Brooklyn’s own first-round picks for the next four drafts.
If the Nets want to stockpile more picks for the future, Spencer Dinwiddie, Royce O’Neale and Dorian Finney-Smith seem the likeliest to leave—probably in that order. The first two are on expiring contracts, while the third might be worth too much in this sellers’ market to keep.
Teams will surely call about Mikal Bridges and Nic Claxton, too, but they shouldn’t get their hopes up. The Houston Rockets expressed interest in Bridges, but the Nets “declined to entertain anything for Bridges,” per HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto. Brooklyn has also left inquiring teams with the impression it will keep Claxton and pay him this summer, Scotto added.
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If the Nets consider Bridges a centerpiece, they can shape their roster virtually any way they choose around him.
His game is a hand-in-glove fit with any archetype. He can create offense, but he doesn’t need a ton of touches to be effective. His defense is relentless, so he could even help cover for a liability on that end.
If Claxton is sticking around, too, then Brooklyn should be on the hunt for more shooting. That’s triply true if Ben Simmons remains a part of the franchise’s long-term plans. Neither even looks at the basket from long range, so the Nets would need as many spacers as possible alongside them.
If the Nets dabble in the high-end of this trade market, they should be searching for self-sufficient scorers. Bridges might be a touch over his skis as a primary scorer, and this coaching staff can’t seem to decide if Cam Thomas’ scoring punch fully compensates for his limitations in other areas.
Predictions3 of 3
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Look for the Nets to be as active as anyone.
Now, they might wind up being more active in discussions than actual deals, but they’ll explore every option available to them. And there are certainly plenty.
Selling seems more likely than buying, though Brooklyn could do a little of both. If the Nets add players, they’ll be cautious not to take on long-term money, as their cap situation stands to get super clean by 2025. They should be seeking out young players who haven’t shown their best, too, as there isn’t a huge rush to win right this second with this roster.
The Nets should unload at least one of Dinwiddie, O’Neale and Finney-Smith, and the offers are right, they could honestly move on from all three. Demand far outweighs supply in this trade market, and Brooklyn should use that to its advantage. There’s a chance all three deliver legitimate assets with the Nets likely focusing primarily on picks, but perhaps squeezing out some ascending, offense-leaning talent, too.
