Adam Armbrecht here, the host of the daily Locked On Nets podcast, with your daily Locked On Nets newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Nets and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Trade season starting early? What is value for Cam Johnson and Nets veterans
Dec 1, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Cameron Johnson (2) during the second half against the Orlando Magic at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images | John Jones/John Jones-Imagn Images
Brooklyn Nets Trade Season: Who’s on the Block?
As the Brooklyn Nets enter the trade season, the buzz around potential player movements is palpable. With a roster filled with veterans, the Nets are at a crossroads, deciding who stays and who goes. The trade rumors are swirling, and it’s clear that the team is open to discussions about nearly everyone, except perhaps Noah Clowney. This openness to trade talks is a strategic move, considering the team’s current life cycle and the ages of key players.
Veterans on the Move?
The Nets have a list of players who could potentially be on the move, including Dennis Schroder, Dorian Finney-Smith, Cam Johnson, Bojan Bogdanović, and Day’Ron Sharpe. Each player brings unique value to the team, but their age and contract situations make them prime candidates for trade discussions. Schröder and Finney-Smith, both 31, are unlikely to fetch first-round picks due to their age. However, their experience and skill sets could still attract interest from teams looking for a veteran presence.
Cam Johnson stands out as a particularly intriguing case. At 28, he’s still in his prime and desires to remain with the Nets. His performance this season has been impressive, making him a valuable asset. The Nets must weigh the potential return against the benefits of keeping a player who could be pivotal in their rebuild.
The Trade Market Dynamics
The NBA trade market is complex, with teams balancing financial constraints and roster needs. The Nets, having acquired a significant haul of draft picks from previous trades, are in a strong position. However, they face a roster crunch, with limited spots available for new players. This situation necessitates careful consideration of any trade offers, especially for players like Johnson, who could be integral to the team’s future.
The financial landscape of the NBA also plays a crucial role in trade decisions. With stringent salary cap rules, teams are more cautious about taking on large contracts. This caution impacts the trade value of players like Finney-Smith and Schröder, whose contracts might not align with the financial strategies of potential suitors.
For the Nets, the challenge lies in finding the right balance between acquiring future assets and maintaining a competitive roster. The team’s management, led by Sean Marks, has a track record of making savvy moves, but the pressure is on to ensure that any trades align with the long-term vision for the team.
As the trade deadline approaches, the Nets will continue to evaluate their options, considering both the immediate and future implications of any deals. The goal is to build a team that can compete now while also setting the stage for sustained success in the years to come.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Brooklyn Nets’ trade strategies, tune into the Locked On Nets podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Nets Podcast:
- The impact of NBA salary cap rules on trade decisions
- Evaluating the potential trade value of Cam Thomas
- How injuries are affecting the Nets’ trade considerations
- The role of veteran leadership in the Nets’ rebuild strategy
- Analyzing the Nets’ draft pick strategy and future roster planning
Dec 1, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) attempts to secure the ball away from Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein (55) and guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) during the fourth quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | Troy Taormina/Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
The first thing I saw when I woke up this morning was a clip of Rockets coach, Ime Udoka, stalking toward referee John Goble and subsequently getting himself ejected. Udoka was incensed over the refs not calling a foul on behalf of Alperen Senguin, who drove to the basket through multiple instances of contact (and shoving) from Kings big, Domantas Sabonis.
The next thing I saw was a report that Rockets forward Tari Eason had run up into the stands after the game’s final whistle to confront a fan who heckled him as he was exiting through the tunnel.
As my brain stirred with the smell of coffee and I read about martial law unfolding and quickly thwarted by protestors and the political opposition in South Korea, I toggled my basketball opinion from This seems serious to It’s really not, regarding all the emotions spilling out on-court last night. This is what, by design, the In-Season Tournament was made for.
This part of the NBA season typically saw a taper of audience attention. The piqued interest of the season getting underway wanes, partially due to the predominantly American audience choosing NFL football over mid-week basketball. The NBA’s Christmas Day slate of games sees a viewership spike but otherwise the “stakes” don’t feel compelling to the casual fan until All-Star, and then again as the playoffs approach. Team owners and the Board of Governors panicked and thus: The NBA Cup was introduced.
Domineering corporate interest aside, the happy side effect of the In-Season Tournament has been higher stakes across the board, and not just from prize incentivization for players (though Josh Hart admitting he just wants a watch is also pretty funny). Young teams, teams on the competitive verge, and teams that may have been considered write-offs to start the season have for the most part used their NBA Cup nights as test runways for playing on a bigger stage and at a higher level. It didn’t necessarily work out for all of them (I had high hopes for the Spurs), but a glance at the Cup’s quarter finals bracket reveals a varied and interesting field of teams.
It’s both preposterous and cool that Warriors vs. Rockets is now a potential Western Conference playoff preview, and that the same goes in the East with Bucks vs. Magic. The Hawks and Knicks will be reunited in their rivalry, and the budding friction between the Mavs and Thunder, through the pestering of Luka Doncic by players who’ve all taken a page from his offensive book, is going to be a lot of fun to watch.
Friction, in good competition, is inevitable. It’s also partially the point. Certainly, coaches shouldn’t make a habit of hounding refs around the court but friction and competition, and friction in competition, don’t need to be negatives.
Two great examples of the symbiotic relationship between the two came in last night’s slate of knockout games. First, with the always expressive Draymond Green unable to hide his disdain from the sidelines as Nikola Jokic grabbed his face after coming down from collision under the rim with 14 seconds left in the game. Green was less actually distraught than sporting a classic “I’m not mad, just disappointed” look.
The second came in the chippy, high-intensity Rockets-Thunder match-up, with Dillon Brooks and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander getting tangled up with each other when they both clamped down on the same loose ball. Neither let it go and they both went careening into the Rockets bench, with their teammates swirling behind. It eventually broke up in laughter because neither of them could keep a straight face, having as close a relationship as they do as teammates for Canada Basketball. When the refs swooped in en masse, Brooks and Gilgeous-Alexander assured them they were cool, everything was fine, and the game continued.
These are games that have gone from weeknight skips, better to relive watching through their highlights the next day, to must-see matches. The stakes range from funny to secondarily furious, tense to over-the-top; are stakes that still only exist in the insular world of NBA basketball, but there are stakes. It’s early December, and we have stakes.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Analysis Tari Eason and Amen Thompson’s defensive abilities are unmatched. (Defector)
News LeBron James is in one of the worst outside shooting slumps of his career. Is playing in all 82-games still doable? (ESPN)
Milestone The 4x NBA All-Star and 16 NBA season vet, Paul Millsap, announces retirement. (ESPN)
Rumor Is Brooklyn finally heading towards a rebuild? A look into whether the Nets are actively tanking this season. (NetsDaily)
Feel Good Dariq Whitehead’s impressive performance might help him shed the ‘bust’ label. Explore how his recent outburst could change his career trajectory. (New York Post)
Preview The Nets host the Pacers tonight at 7:30 PM ET. Read the preview.(NBA)
Ticket Booth
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Pacers @ Nets
Wednesday, Dec. 04 | 7:30 PM | Barclays Center (Brooklyn, NY) | Get Tickets
Bucks @ Nets
Sunday, Dec. 08 | 3:30 PM | Barclays Center (Brooklyn, NY) | Get Tickets
TBD @ Nets (NBA Cup: Contigent game)
Saturday, Dec. 30 | 12:00 AM | Barclays Center (Brooklyn, NY) | Get Tickets
Replay: Fantasy Cheat Sheet
NBA Fantasy Basketball: Key Takeaways from Tuesday’s Games
Dec 3, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) falls to the ground after rolling his ankle against the San Antonio Spurs in the first half of an NBA Cup game at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas/Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Kevin Durant’s Ankle Injury: What It Means for Fantasy Managers
Kevin Durant’s recent ankle injury is a significant concern for fantasy basketball managers. Durant, who has been a cornerstone for many fantasy teams, left the game after just 16 minutes, scoring 13 points with four rebounds. This re-aggravation of a previous injury could mean time on the sidelines, impacting his availability in the coming weeks. Fantasy managers should consider potential replacements or temporary fill-ins, such as Grayson Allen or Royce O’Neal, who might see increased roles in Durant’s absence. However, neither is a must-add in standard leagues, but they could provide short-term value in deeper formats.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Charlotte Hornets: Player Performances
In the clash between the 76ers and Hornets, Paul George’s resurgence was a highlight. Despite playing 37 minutes, George’s performance—29 points, eight rebounds, and six three-pointers—showed signs of his former All-NBA self. However, with a back-to-back game on the horizon, his availability remains uncertain, making it crucial for fantasy managers to monitor his status closely.
Tyrese Maxey’s shooting struggles continued, but his ability to contribute in other areas, such as free throws and defense, keeps him relevant in fantasy lineups. Meanwhile, Kelly Oubre Jr. delivered a solid outing with 14 points and four three-pointers, making him a viable short-term option.
Charlotte Hornets’ Frontcourt Dynamics
The return of Mark Williams was a notable development, albeit with limited minutes. This situation presents a sell-high opportunity for Nick Richards, who posted an impressive 22 points and 14 rebounds. While there’s a chance Richards could outperform Williams, the Hornets’ long-term plans likely favour Williams, making Richards a potential trade candidate for savvy fantasy managers.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Nets podcasts.
Brooklyn Nets blown out by Bulls, but Dariq Whitehead shines and Day’Ron Sharpe returns The Brooklyn Nets were blown out by the Chicago Bulls on Monday evening, predictable considering how many injuries the team is dealing with right now.
Brooklyn Nets swept by the Magic and injuries piling up
The Brooklyn Nets lost Friday and Sunday, both to the Orlando Magic in games where they struggled to even stay competitive. Injuries are becoming a theme for this team, with Dennis Schroder sitting out Friday, Cam Thomas, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Noah Clowney already out.
Brooklyn Nets stun Kevin Durant and the Suns behind Tyrese Martin’s 30 points
The Brooklyn Nets sweep the West Coast trip in very surprising fashion, beating Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns. It was another shocking development in a Nets season that has been completely unexpected.
