The Brooklyn Nets have been the most active team in the NBA so far with the trade deadline approaching in a few hours. They have drastically changed the look and timeline of the team, ending what has been a tumultuous four-season stretch.
Brooklyn received a trade request from Kyrie Irving last Friday and it was quickly fulfilled. By Sunday afternoon he was on his way to the Dallas Mavericks and on Monday the deal became official.
On Wednesday night, the Nets sent another shockwave through the league when they agreed to a trade with the Phoenix Suns centered around Kevin Durant. All in all, Brooklyn has acquired five first-round draft picks, one pick swap and five players in the two blockbuster trades.
The entire trajectory of the franchise has now been changed as they are no longer contenders. But, with their draft picks shipped out, Brooklyn doesn’t have much incentive to lose games and move down the standings to improve their chances of winning the NBA Lottery.
As a result, the franchise is in a tough spot. They have arguably the deepest roster in the NBA now as they are two or three deep at every position with rotation talent. Alas, they are lacking the star power to bring it all together, but that could change rather quickly given the assets they have compiled in recent days.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Brooklyn Nets Updates
It would be hard to imagine the Nets pulling off another blockbuster trade in the few hours ahead of the deadline, but that will be something to monitor in the future. While their biggest moves have been done, they aren’t done talking trades.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the Nets are looking to flip Jae Crowder to another team. Crowder was one of the players acquired from the Phoenix Suns in the Durant deal. He has been seeking a trade for months and now could be on the move twice in less than 12 hours.
If the Nets wanted to remain competitive Crowder would be a nice player to keep around. But, they have plenty of wings to give minutes to as they also acquired Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson and Dorian Finney-Smith in their two blockbuster trades. They still have Royce O’Neale and Ben Simmons on the roster as well to soak up minutes.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Brooklyn Nets Updates
If they can flip Crowder for more assets, whether it is draft compensation or a young player, it would not be surprising to see them pull the trigger on such a deal.
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