The Brooklyn Nets and general manager Sean Marks have until 3:00 p.m. EST today to decide what the rest of the 2024-25 roster will look like. They must determine if they will make any trades to acquire players and future draft picks or keep the roster intact. Today’s Nets trade decisions will indicate the direction the team is heading.
Brooklyn Nets GM Sean Marks Has Trade Decisions To Make
Over the past few days, many surprising trades have happened across the league. The Los Angeles Lakers traded Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks for Luka Doncic, the New Orleans Pelicans moved Brandon Ingram to the Toronto Raptors, the Miami Heat sent Jimmy Butler to the Golden State Warriors in a multiteam deal, and the San Antonio Spurs got De’Aaron Fox in a three-team move that sent Zach LaVine to the Sacramento Kings. With a few hours until the deadline, could the Nets get in on the action?
Nets Trade Decisions
Brooklyn has been among the most talked about teams in the NBA regarding cleaning house before the deadline due to expiring contracts and rebuilding. The organization holds 31 draft picks.
In December, the Nets traded guard Dennis Schroder to the Warriors and Dorian Finney-Smith to the Los Angeles Lakers. Marks has not openly said this season that the team is preparing for a rebuild. However, due to recent headlines and trade rumors, the team has clearly shown a rebuilding process.
Forward Cameron Johnson has headlined the trade block. He averages 19.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game. However, the team is reportedly unlikely to trade Johnson as they explore options to acquire additional draft picks.
Why Sean Marks Should Make Trades
The Nets are projected to be a lottery team with the potential to secure a top-five pick in the upcoming NBA Draft. They possess four first-round draft picks this year and are considering prospects such as Cooper Flagg from Duke, Ace Bailey, and Dylan Harper. General managers in high-market NBA teams are currently seeking star players due to previous draft pick miscalculations. In addition, low-market teams have expressed their willingness to spend and trade picks to improve their rosters. Given the league-wide urgency to enhance team performance, Marks should take advantage of this opportunity.
Brooklyn announced no plans to buy out forward Ben Simmons‘ contract. He is in the final year of his five-year, $177 million contract and is earning $40 million this season. Recently, Simmons has indicated his willingness to work with the Nets to negotiate a buyout of his contract, allowing him to join a championship-contending team.
What Will Happen?
Given the pressure from Nets fans to make a move approaching the trade deadline, the question remains whether Marks will push trades. The team is well-positioned to trade players for future draft picks. With general managers eager for deals to improve their teams, Brooklyn has valuable assets needed for this crucial season. If Marks decides to make a move, it could benefit the organization by freeing up cap space and helping them rebuild.
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