At the 2023 trade deadline, the Brooklyn Nets conceded their ambitions, trading Kevin Durant and bringing an end to a period that was far more peculiar, disheartening, and brief than anticipated. Since that moment, they’ve exchanged the two players obtained from the Phoenix Suns in that agreement (Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson) and amassed draft choices. They are deeply involved in a rebuilding process, and the most significant of their league-leading 32 picks over the upcoming seven years could be their own first-rounder in the 2026 draft.
Brooklyn might return to a win-now mentality as early as 2026-27, considering their capacity to acquire talent next summer and the fact that they do not possess their 2027 first-round pick. However, the strategy for this season is quite evident. The Nets will provide considerable playing time to young players and likely find themselves near the bottom of the standings. “For us, success is defined by identifying and determining the future core of the Nets,” General Manager Sean Marks mentioned during media day. The five rookies selected in June, the returning Cam Thomas (who agreed to the qualifying offer after protracted negotiations), the newly acquired Michael Porter Jr., and the remaining players on the roster will essentially be auditioning during 2025-26. It’s about demonstrating to Brooklyn — or to other teams — that it’s possible to be a valuable contributor even when not securing victories.
The current situation
Previous year: New head coach Jordi Fernández promptly garnered favorable feedback, as the Nets achieved a 9-10 record in the initial five weeks with noticeably improved atmosphere. Players expressed enthusiasm about the autonomy he provided, while opposing coaches lauded him for leading a resilient, physically demanding, and well-organized team. Obtaining wins became more challenging after trading Dennis Schröder and Dorian Finney-Smith and adopting a cautious approach to managing injuries, but despite losing 21 of their last 26 games, Brooklyn concluded with a 26-56 record, the sixth-worst in the league, affording them a mere 37.2% likelihood of securing a top-four pick.
The offseason: The Nets were awarded the No. 8 pick, which they utilized to select 6-foot-9 playmaker Egor Dëmin. Subsequently, they drafted 6-foot-4 playmaker Nolan Traore with the No. 19 pick, 6-foot-6 playmaker Ben Saraf with the No. 26 pick, and 6-foot-11 playmaker Danny Wolf with the No. 27 pick. They also drafted 3-and-D wing Drake Powell with the No. 22 pick, acquired from the Hawks in exchange for absorbing Terance Mann’s contract. By trading Johnson, who was coming off a career-best season, for Porter, they acquired the Nuggets’ unprotected 2032 pick. By accepting Haywood Highsmith from the Heat, they secured Miami’s 2032 second-round pick. Day’Ron Sharpe and Ziaire Williams re-signed under identical terms (two years, $12.5 million, team option). Thomas gambled on himself by accepting the QO, D’Angelo Russell departed for the Mavericks, and Keon Johnson was waived when the Nets were presented with the opportunity to claim Kobe Bufkin from the available pool.
Vegas over/under: 20.5, according to BetMGM
The discussion
Nets supporter: The Nets are executing precisely what a rebuilding team ought to be doing. They made an excellent coaching selection and have consistently made astute, forward-thinking decisions for quite some time. Given the presence of numerous young players and a few veterans vying for playing time, this is akin to the beginning of the Kenny Atkinson era. The distinction lies in the fact that, this time, instead of being burdened with draft-pick debt, they have amassed an abundance of picks. The outlook in Brooklyn is promising.
Nets critic: Do you have any commentary on the actual team that will be playing basketball in Brooklyn this season? Certainly, the Nets obtained favorable value in the Johnson-Porter transaction, but that arrangement won’t yield benefits until 2032 unless they trade the pick beforehand. Currently, the stark reality is that they might have already squandered one rebuilding season by dropping to No. 8 in the draft and reaching for Egor Dëmin. And if they are not fortunate in the lottery next time, it will represent a far greater calamity. Houston possesses swap rights on their 2027 first-round pick, rendering this Brooklyn’s final opportunity. Excuse me if I struggle to be enthusiastic about a team that is incentivized to be as dreadful as possible.
Nets supporter: If you intend to express apprehension regarding the Dëmin pick and the Nets’ rebuild in general by highlighting the most unfavorable scenarios, you should at least acknowledge the most optimistic possibilities as well. What if Dëmin, an exceptionally gifted passer, demonstrates improved shooting proficiency and emerges as a formidable downhill driver as he matures physically? (He hasn’t even reached 20 years of age yet!) What if Brooklyn secures Darryn Peterson next June? Based on Jordi Fernández’s inaugural year, I anticipate that the team on the court this season will exhibit diligence, share the ball effectively, and irritate opponents with their physicality. Furthermore, I believe that, considering the flexibility and draft capital at the front office’s disposal, the 2027 pick swap is not a substantial concern.
Nets critic: It’s straightforward to assert that when you’re envisioning Peterson on the team instead of, for instance, Dash Daniels (or whichever player becomes the 2026 equivalent of Dëmin). However, let’s concentrate on the current team for a moment: Are you confident that the Nets will maintain the same identity they displayed last season now that Porter has replaced Johnson? Am I supposed to believe that a team featuring Porter and Cam Thomas in the starting lineup will embrace a defense-oriented, selfless style? Seriously. We all understand the Nets’ objective. They will be engaged in a race to the bottom with the Wizards and Jazz, and that’s perfectly acceptable! Just refrain from attempting to persuade me that this will be enjoyable.
Nets supporter: If Kobe Bufkin finds his place in Brooklyn similarly to how Spencer Dinwiddie and D’Angelo Russell did eight years ago, it will be a compelling narrative. If Danny Wolf’s unconventional style translates to the NBA level, it will be an exceptionally engaging narrative. (His college highlights are remarkable.) I can certainly envision Nic Claxton rebounding from a disappointing, injury-plagued season; Thomas continuing to develop as a playmaker; Drew Timme building upon his impressive summer league performance; and Noah Clowney evolving into a more dependable stretch/switch big. I am aware that you harbor animosity toward Dëmin for some unidentified reason, but I will consistently support players possessing such creativity and vision. Therefore, yes, I believe Nets basketball could be quite entertaining this year! And if they are not executing Nets basketball with Thomas and Porter in the starting lineup, then Fernández will adjust the starting lineup.
Nets critic: Incredible. Well, if either of those individuals is relegated to the bench, I eagerly anticipate the associated quotes! And to clarify, I do not harbor any ill will toward Dëmin whatsoever. I believe he would have been a completely satisfactory selection for the Nets at No. 19. It is not his fault that he was selected at No. 8, nor is it his fault that his precise role for the team in the immediate future remains unclear. Based on summer league performances, he will not be playing point guard immediately, which is somewhat understandable given Brooklyn’s abundance of guards and his vulnerability to ball pressure. He occupies an ambiguous position as an unproven off-ball player, and the Nets possess an unconventional roster. There are numerous secondary creators, but I am uncertain if there is anyone capable of consistently generating advantages. If circumstances align favorably, Brooklyn could have a promising future, but this rebuild also has the potential to become exceptionally bleak.
