How This Trade Impacts Brooklyn Nets
The Brooklyn Nets are playing some strong basketball. They are again one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference with Kevin Durant and James Harden leading the way.
Those two are good enough to keep the Nets in contention for a title as they are one of the best duos in the league. But, the team could benefit from adding some more depth across the roster, which this deal accomplishes.
Brooklyn will not be able to get back perceived fair value for Irving. Teams are terrified of trading for him given his uncertain future and personality fit. The Nets know that, but getting something in return for him is better than receiving nothing, which could happen if Irving declines his player option and enters free agency in 2022.
That is a worst-case scenario for the Nets, who would like to avoid that at all costs. While Eric Bledsoe, Luke Kennard and Keon Johnson aren’t All-Stars, they will help strengthen the rotation and future outlook of the team.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Nets Finding Their Stride Without Kyrie Irving — Time For Trade?
Bledsoe can help soak up minutes in the backcourt as another point guard option. Kennard would give the Nets another shooter on the wing should they look into trading Joe Harris once again. Johnson is a young, raw prospect. But, at 19-years old, would provide Brooklyn with another high-upside youngster to go along with Day’Ron Sharpe, Cam Thomas and Nicolas Claxton.
The draft picks will also help the Nets restock the cupboard. They are light on draft capital in the coming years courtesy of the trades they made. Adding second-round picks gives them some tradable assets and the 2028 first-round pick is a legitimate wild card.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Nets Finding Their Stride Without Kyrie Irving — Time For Trade?
No one knows what the NBA will look like in seven years, but it is never a bad thing having extra first-round picks.
