The Brooklyn Nets knew that the 2023-24 NBA season could be a bumpy one for them. They were still transitioning away from their Big 3 era after trading James Harden, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving away over the last year or so.
For the Nets to find any success, they needed a lot of things to fall in their favor. To this point, not enough has, as they are 16-24 on the season. Losers in 14 out of their last 17 games, Brooklyn has plummeted down the Eastern Conference standings.
They were 12-9 early in December after a three-game winning streak, but that feels like ages ago with how they have played recently. Riding a four-game losing streak, the Nets are struggling to find any consistency on the court.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Mikal Bridges, Sean Marks, Brooklyn Nets Updates
Knowing that changes need to be made, it sounds as if the Nets are open for business ahead of the NBA Trade Deadline. According to NBATradeReport on X, Brooklyn is prepared to be a seller and will be looking to acquire multiple first-round picks in trades.
It is a harsh reality to accept, but that is the correct route for Brooklyn to be taking. This isn’t a team in a position to contend as currently constructed. Selling parts and recouping assets is the way to go.
Several players could fetch the Nets the kind of return package they are seeking. Spencer Dinwiddie, Nicolas Claxton and Royce O’Neale are all on expiring contracts. Contending teams could have an interest in all three and a future first-round pick could certainly be on the table with some protections.
Trading some of those veteran players would also open up playing time for younger guys buried on the depth chart. Day’Ron Sharpe has been part of the Nets’ rotation, but first-round picks Noah Clowney and Dariq Whitehead haven’t gotten opportunities to play. If there aren’t plans to keep Cam Thomas long-term, he would be an interesting trade chip as well.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Mikal Bridges, Sean Marks, Brooklyn Nets Updates
The Nets could look to attach some of those sweeteners to someone such as Ben Simmons to help clear some future salary cap as well. One player who will not be on the move is small forward Mikal Bridges.
Brooklyn was reportedly offered four first-round picks from the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for Bridges. That deal was rejected, which hints at Bridges being the only truly untouchable player on the team’s roster.
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