The Brooklyn Nets are at a crossroads entering this offseason after ending their superstar experiment by trading Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving this past February at the trade deadline. While Brooklyn became noticeably worse because of the trades, they were still able to hang on enough to end the regular-season as the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Along the way, the Nets were able to discover some unique aspects of their team. For starters, they realized that they had a budding star on their team in Mikal Bridges as he showed his incredible ability to score despite being cast as the third or fourth scoring option during his time with the Phoenix Suns.
Brooklyn also realized how good Cam Johnson can be in the right situation as he showed that he could do more than just shoot the three-ball and play defense. Center Nic Claxton showed that he can be a difference-maker on the defensive end of the floor and that he’s just scratching the surface of his potential. One thing to ponder would be where the Nets should go from here: try to get back into the championship conversation or embrace a full rebuild?
Hypothetical:
Houston finishes #3 in the lottery (taking place next week) and offers Brooklyn that pick, along with Sengun, and the Nets’ 2024 first back for Bridges & Claxton.
BKN gets a shot at Brandon Miller or Scoot Henderson & control of ‘24 to tank.
Deal or no deal?
— Billy Reinhardt (@BillyReinhardt) May 10, 2023