The Brooklyn Nets are in a spot similar to where they were before Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving came to town in the summer of 2019. Now, Brooklyn has to figure out the best way to move forward without having control of their draft picks for the next few seasons.
The Nets were able to get some draft capital from the Phoenix Suns in the Durant and from the Dallas Mavericks as a result of the Irving trade. However, since the Houston Rockets have a good amount of first-round picks and pick swaps from the Nets, Brooklyn has to get creative in how it builds this team for the near future.
In a mock trade proposed by James Piercey of the NBA Analysis Network, the Nets would be trading a couple of their wings for a sharpshooter and a future first-round pick from a conference rival. Here’s the breakdown of the mock trade:
The Mock Trade:
Brooklyn Nets receive: Duncan Robinson and a 2028 First-Round Pick (Swap – MIA)
Miami Heat receive: Dorian Finney-Smith and Royce O’Neale
Should the Nets do this trade?
The Nets are in an interesting spot this offseason as they have to find a way to maximize the assets that they have to put themselves in a better position to compete for the next few seasons. Given the fact that there are reports that Brooklyn is looking to shed some of its wing depth for players/picks, the Nets could be balancing the roster as a result.
While replacing Finney-Smith and O’Neale would be tough, getting a shooter in Robinson and a future first-round pick swap from the Heat could be more beneficial than it seems right now. If Miami falls off by that point, Brooklyn could have the chance to get an impact player.
Ultimately, the Nets have to find a way to turn some of its wings into players/picks if they want any chance of being a sustainable franchise for years to come. With the possibility of a trade for Damian Lillard still decent, the Nets could also balance out the roster in the process.
Verdict: Yes, the Nets should do this trade.
Story originally appeared on Nets Wire