The Brooklyn Nets did not have the best season, but they did manage to secure a top-10 pick in the draft at No. 8 overall. Yet, with many people pushing for Kon Knueppel as the consensus pick at that spot, Brooklyn could be interested in moving in a different direction.
The Nets have some major decisions ahead for their team, yet they do not have a star to carry them into their next era. While Cam Thomas and Cameron Johnson have become formidable scoring options for Brooklyn, Johnson doesn’t seem like he’ll be there for the long haul.
Could the Nets Move Up in a Trade With the 76ers?
Of course, things can change over the course of an offseason, but there’s always the chance that the Nets make drastic moves prior to the NBA Draft and the start of free agency. One of those drastic moves could involve moving up in the draft in a potential trade with the Philadelphia 76ers.
The 76ers currently hold the No. 3 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. In a potential move up, Brooklyn could offer a package surrounding Johnson and the No. 8 pick, with other details likely added in, according to former NBA executive and current writer for The Athletic, John Hollinger.
Whether the Sixers would have interest in making a trade like this or something similar remains unknown. However, for the Nets, they could offload Johnson’s contract and move on to acquiring either Ace Bailey or Dylan Harper with the No. 3 pick, giving Brooklyn the No. 1 option that it so desperately needs.
How would you feel about this trade for Cam Johnson, Sixers fans? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/7mBhNgFZOe
— PHLY Sixers (@PHLY_Sixers)
Can Brooklyn Get Back Into Playoff Contention?
If the 76ers were to make a trade like this, it very well could give them an opportunity to offload contracts for players like Andre Drummond and Kelly Oubre Jr., while also acquiring a sharpshooter like Johnson and still being able to pick in the top 10.
While the Nets haven’t had much success in the league the last few years, playoff-wise, they do have a chance to right the ship with their roster this season, whether they stay at pick 8 or move out of it.
MORE: Nets Projected To Land ‘High-Upside Scoring Weapon’ at No. 8 Overall
If Thomas remains with the Nets and Johnson isn’t traded, Brooklyn could be in contention for the play-in tournament. Nic Claxton’s contract runs through 2027-2028 — making him the team’s longest-tenured contract amongst active players — which means he might also be a piece the Nets consider trading.
Will Brooklyn make any moves this offseason that put them where they would like to be? One would assume so, but trades and deals are difficult to pull off.
