NBA Free Agency Atlantic Division Primer – The Eastern Powerhouse
Brooklyn Nets
Situation Entering Offseason:
After years of being stuck in purgatory due to the Danny Ainge trade which zapped Brooklyn of top draft picks for years the Nets finally had their pick but surprised the NBA by electing to gun for the postseason. Not only did rising GM superstar Sean Marks make his mark (pun intended) but alongside Head Coach Kenny Atkinson they established a solid culture in Brooklyn.
The 2018-19 version of the Nets blossomed into a squad no opponent could sleep on and never quit. Admirable traits and ones the GM and Coach will be looking to bolster with superstar free agent additions this offseason.
To that end, Marks made decisive moves to trade Allen Crabbe, declined making Rondae Hollis-Jefferson a qualifying offer and he made several draft moves in order to free up enough cap space to sign what was presumed to be Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant.
However, the unknown now is whether Marks would be as committed to signing KD to a four year max deal which the team won’t be able to offset the cost for via insurance given KD’s injury occurred while with another squad. Or would the Nets back off being so gung ho not knowing how close a fully recovered Durant will resemble the pre-injury Durant.
If we are to read anything into the Durant to Nets theory perhaps the most telling fact beyond Marks clearly working toward creating space is all about the medical team. Durant elected to have his Achilles repaired in New York and the doctor who performed that surgery was Dr. Martin O’Malley. Notably, O’Malley is also the Nets’ team physician. Whether coincidence or not being on a team with the doctor who performed the procedure on you does give extra credence to the Nets ability to lure KD since he’d be aligned with someone he clearly trusts.
Without absolute knowledge of who Marks is targeting it’s still hard to deny the rumors their intentions are to sign Durant and Kyrie Irving in free agency.
And, that will affect what the Nets plans are for D’Angelo Russell who is looking for a pay day of his own.
Ultimately, Marks will be looking for a high caliber starting point guard, a starting power forward who can stretch the court and to add depth to his reserve unit. Should Ed Davis sign elsewhere well need to keep track of whether Atkinson elects to fast track rookie Nic Claxton’s minutes with the varsity team instead of taking time to develop him.
Salary:
Cap Space: $ (4,624,741.00)
Floor Space: $ (44,367,991.00)
Max Space: $ 68,671,776.00
Projected Space: $ 48,509,840.00
*as per Keith Smith of Real GM
Key free agents to re-sign:
Everything the Nets do will depend on their success to recruit key free agents (presumably Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant).
Specifically, D’Angelo Russell will be most affected by what moves the Nets make. And, there are several scenarios which could play out which don’t all include both stars coming to Brooklyn. Any of the options could be feasible, however, based solely on Marks salary shedding it sure seems like the goal is to recruit and sign KD and Irving.
Another asset the Nets will be concerned with is Ed Davis who wants to sign a longer term deal and get paid for his rebounding ability. Davis like Baynes for the Celtics isn’t your key guy, but what he does offer is solid rebounding, rim protection, and defense.
2019 Roster Depth:
- Jarrett Allen
- Spencer Dinwiddie
- Treveon Graham
- Joe Harris
- Rodions Kurucs
- Caris LeVert
- Džanan Musa
- Shabazz Napier
- Taurean Prince
Draft Picks:
- Nicolas Claxton
- Jaylen Hands
Trades:
- Allen Crabbe traded to Atlanta Hawks for Taurean Prince
2019 free agents
DeMarre Carroll
D’Angelo Russell (Restricted)
Ed Davis
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (Nets declined to make qualifying offer)
Jared Dudley
Theo Pinson (Restricted)
Alan Williams
2020 free agents
Joe Harris
Shabazz Napier
Caris LeVert (Restricted)
Taurean Prince (Restricted)
Treveon Graham