The Brooklyn Nets are in the middle of an important offseason for their franchise as they have several matters that they have to address. Brooklyn has to figure out how much they’re willing to pay to retain restricted free-agent Cam Johnson given that he’s expected to command a contract of at least $20 million per season.
Also, there is the looming issue of injured guard Ben Simmons with regards to how he fits in with the team moving forward. Simmons played just 42 games in the 2022-23 season thanks to a variety of injuries that he suffered through, including a nerve impingement in his back that ended his season prematurely in March.
Above all else, the Nets have to figure out which direction they want to go in. As of right now, the team is good enough to be a playoff team, but Brooklyn will have to decide if that is good enough. In the meantime, it is time to ponder a mock trade suggested by Bleacher Report:
The Mock Trade:
Brooklyn Nets receive: Mikal Bridges, Nic Claxton, and Joe Harris
Portland Trail Blazers receive: Anfernee Simons, Shaedon Sharpe, Jusuf Nurkić, 2023 first-round pick (if it doesn’t land No. 1 overall)
Should the Nets do this trade?
Any trade for Brooklyn that involves Mikal Bridges and/or Nic Claxton should be a no-go if the Nets are not getting at least one star in return. With the potential that Bridges and Claxton have combined with the sharpshooting of Joe Harris would be a lot for any team to give up in a trade.
However, getting two to three starting-level players along with a high-draft pick would be something to consider if remaining competitive is important to GM Sean Marks and owner Joe Tsai. Simons and Nurkic have proven to be good players while Sharpe will be entering his second season after being drafted 7th overall in the 2022 NBA Draft.
Verdict: No, the Nets should not do this trade.
What B/R thinks of the trade
“As much as the Nets would like to keep their young stars, this is a small step back for a potentially huge leap forward.
Simons and Sharpe (the No. 6 overall pick in 2022) are both dynamic guards, and landing another top selection in 2023 would stack this roster with elite young talent.
Obviously, Portland doesn’t make this trade if it wins the No. 1 overall pick and the rights to Victor Wembanyama, although anything after should allow this trade to go through.”
Story originally appeared on Nets Wire