One year after making a record five first-round selections in the 2025 NBA Draft, the Brooklyn Nets are once again one of the league’s most intriguing teams entering the 2026 NBA Draft week.
Brooklyn owns the No. 6 overall pick after finishing 20-62 last season.
Reportedly, they have also explored moving into the top four while continuing to evaluate prospects across the board. One of those players is Michigan forward Morez Johnson, whom the Nets recently brought in for a workout.
What Morez Johnson’s Workout Means for the Nets in the 2026 NBA Draft
According to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, Brooklyn brought Johnson in for a workout on Sunday as the front office continues weighing its options with the No. 6 overall pick.
The Michigan standout helped lead the Wolverines to a national championship this past season, averaging 13.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game. He also earned second-team All-Big Ten and Big Ten All-Defensive Team honors.
Johnson’s stock has skyrocketed over the past few months. After previously being viewed as a late first-round prospect, the 6-foot-9 forward is now generating lottery buzz.
Shortly after Scotto’s report, NBA analyst Keith Smith highlighted just how much Johnson’s draft stock has improved.
“I don’t know where Morez Johnson ultimately gets selected, but he’s been arguably the biggest riser during the draft process,” Smith posted on X. “Started out in the latter part of the first round and now could be a lottery pick. The kind of athletic big that teams want at the 4 in today’s game.”
I don’t know where Morez Johnson ultimately gets selected, but he’s been arguably the biggest riser during the draft process. Started out in the latter part of the first round and now could be a lottery pick. The kind of athletic big that teams want at the 4 in today’s game. https://t.co/1Lny6t5FVn
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) June 21, 2026
That’s the rumor, about whether Johnson could hear his name called much earlier than initially expected when the first round begins.
However, the workout does not necessarily mean the Nets are considering him with the sixth overall pick.
Scotto recently reported that Brooklyn has explored trade-up scenarios by packaging the No. 6 selection with future first-round picks in an effort to move into the top four.
Should the Nets remain at No. 6, they have also been linked to several higher-ranked prospects, including Keaton Wagler, Darius Acuff Jr., Mikel Brown Jr., Kingston Flemings, Nate Ament, and Aday Mara.
That prompted one fan to question whether bringing in Johnson could signal a potential reach. Smith offered another explanation on this matter.
“Could be prepping for a trade back or acquiring an additional pick,” he replied on X. “Sometimes teams meet with players because it’s the last time they can legally talk to them for at least the next four years.”
The theory makes sense given Brooklyn’s draft flexibility. In addition to the No. 6 overall pick, the Nets also own selections No. 33 and No. 43 and possess a sizable collection of future first-rounders.
Still, while Johnson may be one of the quickly rising prospects in the draft, many may not be entirely sold on the idea of taking him at No. 6 and instead hope Brooklyn targets one of the higher-profile guards or wings expected to be available in that range.
