During the 2025 NBA Draft, Brooklyn Nets will attempt to add a player that helps them escape from purgatory. Since relocating, the Nets have been aggressive, acquiring older but Hall of Fame bound stars in attempt to reach paradise. However, this approach has not yielded even a Conference Finals appearance, let alone a championship.
As a result, Nets owner Joe Tsai and general manager Sean Marks have opted to go younger. In theory, this would give them a better chance of having sustained success. To that point, they’ve potentially identified a couple of key long-term pieces, namely Cam Thomas and Nic Claxton. Yet, Brooklyn doesn’t really have a surefire centerpiece.
Not yet, anyways.
Nets Draft Trade With 76ers Their Best Bet?
Despite finishing the 2024-25 season with the sixth-worst record, the ping pong balls didn’t fall the Nets way. Instead of holding the sixth overall pick (or even moving up), Brooklyn’s first pick is No. 8 overall. In that draft range, they appear to have shortlisted Oklahoma freshman Jeremiah Fears. A combo guard with riveting two-way potential, former NBA standout Mike Miller notably believes can be an All-Star within three years.
Mike Miller claims Jeremiah Fears will be an All-Star in less than three years
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— The Joesen One (@Joe_Martin13) June 11, 2025
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Like several teams, the Nets are also rumored to want to trade up for Rutgers guard Dylan Harper. However, the San Antonio Spurs have expressed confidence in Harper’s potential, to the point that he’s expected to be their pick at No. 2. That being said, the Philadelphia 76ers could also be motivated to trade back in the draft, if not more so.
To this point, the main draft trade rumor featuring the Sixers are willing to send Paul George and the No. 3 pick to the Utah Jazz in exchange for Collin Sexton, John Collins and the No. 5 pick. If the 76ers were to keep the pick, they’re expected to choose between Rutgers freshman forward Ace Bailey and Baylor freshman guard VJ Edgecombe. Yet, Texas freshman wing Tre Johnson and Duke freshman wing Kon Knueppel are likely in the mix as well.
One Team’s Headache Is Another’s Peace
Bailey’s headstrong behavior leading into the draft has been controversial. He has such a high ceiling as two-way player that his borderline arrogance makes sense. If Fears can be an All-Star in three years, Bailey can be an All-Star in two. At the same time, this situation could lead to him sliding in the draft.
Ace Bailey vs Northwestern [01/29/25]
37 PTS (13-20 FG, 5-8 3P), 6 REB & 3 BLK.
*10 total dribbles* pic.twitter.com/Cza2eoXsi8
— Mohamed (@mcfNBA) June 21, 2025
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For Brooklyn, this could be quite the development. If he managed to fall to eighth, they could get a consensus top-three talent despite the fact the draft lottery didn’t pan out for them. Yet, because they don’t actually have a player who has emerged as the guy, they should be among an exclusive list of teams calling Philadelphia about a draft night trade.
Potential Trade Parameters
If using the purported 76ers-Jazz trade negotiations as an example, the Nets could offer Thomas, Cam Johnson and the No. 8 pick for George and the No. 3 pick.
Frankly, it’s an offer that that Sixers could seriously consider. Thomas isn’t as efficient as Sexton but a bit more accepting of a sixth man role. Unlike Collins, Johnson is more of a combo forward than big man, but he’s also a better perimeter defense and a more consistent 3-point shooter.
Turning The Page
Losing Thomas and Johnson isn’t ideal for the Nets. If they believed they could draft Fears, they could view the deal as subtracting three potential cornerstones. Yet, George is one of the most decorated players in the NBA history for a reason. He, Bailey and Claxton would form a formidable frontcourt at both ends, but particularly defensively.
As for the rest of the roster, certain players who developed under Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez last season provide reasonable perimeter depth. 20-year-old wing Dariq Whitehead, who shot 44.6 percent from 3 on 74 attempts in 2024-25, could be particularly useful as an off-ball threat. Nonetheless, adding in veterans that provide more value than mentorship would be ideal.
To that point, if they’re unable to draft a starting-caliber point guard, Brooklyn’s mind might turn to a seasoned general like Chris Paul. Because they have so much cap space, they could truly appeal to Paul, who spent 2024-25 playing a similar role with the Spurs as to the one he could theoretically play with the Nets. Yet, the return of Dennis Schroder might be met with much fanfare. Fortunately for Brooklyn, their pockets should be deep enough for both.
All in all, a rotation that features Bailey, George, Claxton, Paul, Schroder and Whitehead is a great place to start. Adding players such as Keon Johnson, Tyrese Martin, Jalen Wilson and Noah Clowney keeps them on their developmental path as well. They may not be hoisting the Larry O’Brien trophy. However, health permitting, they’ll be highly competitive.
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