Networks ‘eager’ to use limited space to facilitate trades in exchange for draft assets
The The Brooklyn Nets spent the offseason using their cap space to add to their leading pick in the draft. Their strategy hasn’t changed as the trade deadline approaches.
With $15.3 million remaining in the NBA, the Nets are is preparing to help more teams reject unwanted contracts in exchange for draft assets.
“The Nets are said to be eager to use their remaining salary cap space from the summer to facilitate a salary-absorbing trade in their quest to accumulate more future draft assets,” NBA insider Marc Stein wrote.
General Manager of Brooklyn Sean Marks spent over $40 million in capital in four separate salary trades this summer.
Networks are gearing up to hit cap space in multiple deals ahead of schedule
The Nets acquired the contracts of Terrence Mann, Michael Porter Jr. and Haywood Highsmith in trades with the Atlanta Hawks, Denver Nuggets and Miami Heat. They received the 22nd pick in the draft, which they used to select Drake Powell, as well as an unprotected 2032 first-round pick from Denver and a 2032 second-round pick from Miami.
Brooklyn also acquired the expiring contract of Kobe Bufkin from Atlanta for cash, but waived the guard before the season.
After a busy offseason, the Nets have the top 12 first-round picks and 18 second-round picks over the next seven years. With the deadline two weeks away, they remain in position to accumulate more funds by helping teams clean up their books or facilitate larger trades.
The Boston Celtics are expected to shop Anfernee Simmons while trying to get under the luxury tax. Boston and Brooklyn have discussed a number of trade scenarios involving Simmons this summer. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic also have unwanted contracts they could shed to avoid the tax.
With much of the NBA is preparing offers for Giannis AntetokounmpoBrooklyn could be a third team in a number of frameworks that would help with payroll. The Utah Jazz are the only other NBA team with cap space, with $10.6 million available.
2025-12-12 16:35:00
