With the NBA 2K24 Summer League now in the rearview mirror, the Brooklyn Nets have their sights set on the next segment of their offseason. Before they get there, the Nets may want to think about how they can make their team better before the 2023-24 season begins.
With all of the trades and moves that Brooklyn has made in free-agency, they have some new players who will be coming off the bench next season, but they will also be missing some players who made an impact for the team last season. The Nets want to do whatever is possible to make the team able to make it to the playoffs and possibly win a series or two.
With the current roster, Brooklyn should be a decent team as they are led by Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, and Nic Claxton. However, being decent can be a dangerous position for a team that does not have some of its own draft picks for the next few years. This mock trade suggested by James Piercey of the NBA Analysis Network could be something that improves the Nets’ playoff chances:
The Mock Trade:
Brooklyn Nets receive: Jalen Suggs
Orlando Magic receive: Royce O’Neale and 2025 First-Round Pick (PHX via BKN)
Should the Nets do this trade?
For the Nets, getting Suggs would be a solid move given his all-around ability and great size at the guard spot. It’s hard to know what Suggs is at this point of his career, but what he can do at this moment is play effective defense, score, and handle the basketball. Brooklyn will take any players who can bring that to the table.
On the other hand. giving up O’Neale along with a first-round pick could be a high price to pay for someone who may never start for this version of the Nets. If things change in the near future, then acquiring Suggs could be something that is more beneficial as the years go on.
Ultimately, this mock scenario would be a question about whether trying to diversify the bench unit is worth a first-round pick. Brooklyn has been open to trading O’Neale anyway so this could be a mock deal that would be beneficial for both sides and something that the Nets could take advantage of, assuming that Suggs continues to improve,
Verdict: No, the Nets should not do this trade.
Story originally appeared on Nets Wire