With the NBA offseason just about over, save for two open trade requests from star guards, it’s time to take stock of how the Brooklyn Nets fared. With a summer to finally settle in a post-Kevin Durant roster, they made some nice moves around the edges, but a potential Damian Lillard deal looms large.
Here are grades for each of the Nets’ offseason moves so far…
Drafted Noah Clowney and Dariq Whitehead 21st and 22nd overall – B+
We obviously won’t know how these picks shake out for a few years, but getting two cracks at the late first round in a deep draft class should be seen as a win. Unfortunately we’ve only seen a glimpse of one of these rookies in Summer League, as Whitehead did not compete.
Many thought he slipped down to Brooklyn, and he’s only now turning 19-years-old, leaving lots of room for upside. Clowney didn’t have the strongest Vegas offensively, shooting sub-25 percent from all over the court, but that’s not enough to draw any conclusions.
Traded Joe Harris and two second-round picks to Detroit – C
In a cost-cutting, roster consolidating and trade exception-creating move, the Nets shipped Harris off to the Pistons, attaching a couple seconds for them to absorb his salary.
It was only natural given the current status of the roster, Harris’s career and Brooklyn’s next desired moves, but it’s rough to watch the longest tenured Net depart with draft compensation attached.
Traded Patty Mills and two second-round picks to Houston – C
In the same vein as the Harris trade, the Nets moved off Mills’ contract by attaching late draft picks, opening up some payroll and a trade exception for further use.
Brooklyn was in need of ball-handling and point guard play this summer, but Mills really struggled last season, making the alternatives a better choice going forward.
Signed Cameron Johnson – B+
Securing one of the key return pieces of the Durant trade for the long-term was a priority for Brooklyn, and they did so by inking Johnson to a four-year deal maxing out at $108 million with incentives. Johnson had a strong half year in the black and white in his new role, averaging a career-high 16.6 points and 4.8 rebounds, following it up with a solid Playoffs.
The only potential drawback will be how much upside Johnson can provide at that number. He’s already 27, hardly a prospect, but with the ever-increasing salary cap his contract will only look better as he progresses.
Signed Dennis Smith Jr. – A
Brooklyn needed additional help at the one position, and there were few better value options than Smith Jr. The former lottery pick had a breakout 2022-23 season in Charlotte, then signed with the Nets on a one-year deal for under $3 million.
Smith Jr. is very effective at getting to the paint and has developed into a plus defender. He should serve well as a backup option and could be more if his three-point shot improves.
Signed Lonnie Walker IV – B+
Walker was a fine compliment to the Lakers, and now joins Brooklyn on a one-year, $2 million contract to further bolster the athleticism in their backcourt. He can have a solid impact should his shooting be somewhat consistent, and provides some upside at just 24 years old.
Signed Darius Bazley – B+
Another cheap signing with plenty of potential was Bazley, an athletic four who looked much improved in his fourth NBA season. He can get a real chance to shine on this Brooklyn roster needing his size up front.
Overall – B
If this Nets offseason feels somewhat unfinished, it could be because it is. Consolidating the roster around a bunch of high upside, athletic young guys is a sound way to move forward, but Brooklyn’s likely hoping to land bigger fish in Lillard before the season begins.
If that doesn’t happen, they’re in a good position to see what a full season behind Mikal Bridges, Johnson and a more finely tuned surrounding roster looks like.
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