The NBA trade deadline has come and gone, and the Brooklyn Nets remained surprisingly quiet. Despite speculation and rumors swirling around potential moves, particularly involving Cam Johnson, the team opted to keep its roster intact. As a Nets fan, I can’t help but feel a mix of relief and curiosity about what this means for the remainder of the season and beyond.
Sean Marks, the Nets’ general manager, chose not to pull the trigger on any deals. This decision might frustrate some fans who were hoping for immediate changes, but it’s important to consider the bigger picture. The market for Cam Johnson, one of our most valuable assets, never truly materialized in the way many expected. While it’s easy to second-guess, we have to trust that Marks didn’t receive any offers worth pursuing.
Looking at the deals that did happen around the league, it’s clear that the Nets weren’t missing out on any game-changing opportunities. The Atlanta Hawks’ trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers, sending De’Andre Hunter for Caris LeVert, Georges Niang, and multiple second round draft picks, serves as a good comparison. Frankly, that package wouldn’t have been enough for someone of Cam Johnson’s caliber.
The Ben Simmons Situation
One surprising development that emerged post-deadline is the speculation surrounding a potential Ben Simmons buyout. This is a stark contrast to our stance for months, believing that Simmons wouldn’t consider giving up money. If a buyout does happen, it could signal a shift in Simmons’ priorities, possibly valuing a fresh start over financial security.
While nothing is confirmed yet, the possibility of a Simmons buyout opens up intriguing scenarios. Teams over the second apron, like the Celtics, Nuggets, Lakers, Bucks, Timberwolves, Knicks, and Suns, wouldn’t be able to sign him due to salary cap restrictions. This narrows down potential landing spots but could create opportunities for teams looking to bolster their roster for a playoff push.
Looking Ahead
As we move forward, the Nets’ focus shifts to player development and draft positioning. Currently sitting sixth in the Tankathon standings, Brooklyn has a 37.2% chance at a top-four pick and a 9% shot at the first overall selection. While these odds might not seem overwhelming, they’re significant enough to keep hope alive for landing a franchise-altering talent in the upcoming draft.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Nets’ trade deadline strategy and future outlook, tune into the Locked On Nets podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Nets Podcast:
• Potential buyout candidates for the Nets to consider
• Impact of other teams’ trades on Brooklyn’s standings
• Analysis of the Atlanta Hawks’ roster shakeup
