The Brooklyn Nets’ two-year tank is over. Without control of their 2027 first-round pick, they’ll attempt to take a step back towards relevancy next season.
But how aggressive will the Nets be this summer when it comes to sacrificing future assets for win-now pieces?
“I think it depends a little on what becomes available. You just never know,” GM Sean Marks said. “We’ve put this Nets team and franchise in a place to be able to be opportunistic. Does that fit our timeline? Does this particular trade work for us right now? I mean, you can always add talent, but does that talent fit our approach and the development of these young guys and fit in with the group that we have? Those are discussions I look forward to having with Jordi [Fernandez], the rest of the coaching staff, the front office, and mostly, Joe [Tsai] — when we want to add and how we want to add and so forth. I’m personally excited about not only this offseason, but going into next season. I’m not worried about our pick next year. I mean, that’s something that’s obviously in the back of your mind, but at the end of the day, first things first, which is this draft, then we go from there.”
Asked Sean Marks what will determine how aggressive the Nets are this summer given they don’t own their draft pick next season:
“I think it depends a little bit on what becomes available. You just never know. Again, we’ve put this Brooklyn Nets team and franchise in a place to… pic.twitter.com/6b1YF7dL50
— Erik Slater (@erikslater_) April 13, 2026
After receiving historic returns in trades of Kevin Durant and Mikal Bridges, Brooklyn has the ammunition to expedite its rebuild timeline.
Sean Marks leaves door open for several rebuild paths entering pivotal offseason
Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
The Nets have an NBA-best nine tradable first-round picks and 18 second-round picks. They also project to have over $45 million in cap space, with the ability to open more depending on decisions on several team options and restricted free agents.
Brooklyn’s treasure chest of assets and financial flexibility opens the door for a star trade. The Nets have long been linked to two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. Many within league circles expect the Milwaukee Bucks superstar to be on the move this summer.
Brooklyn also expressed interest in Donovan Mitchell in recent years. Rival front offices are closely monitoring the Cleveland Cavaliers’ situation amid the possibility of another early playoff exit. Zion Williamson, Paolo Banchero and Ja Morant have also been speculated as trade candidates.
The Nets could easily put themselves in the mix for any of the above names. However, Marks indicated he’s comfortable with a more patient rebuild, emphasizing that he’s not worried about Brooklyn’s 2027 first-round pick and noting that any trade or free-agent signing must fit the team’s timeline.
The Nets had the NBA’s youngest roster this season after making a record five first-round picks in the 2025 draft. They’ll welcome another young prospect this summer after guaranteeing themselves one of the top seven picks in the 2026 draft.
The Brooklyn Nets’ two-year tank is over. Without control of their 2027 first-round pick, they’ll attempt to take a step back towards relevancy next season. But how aggressive will the Nets be this summer when it comes to sacrificing future assets for win-now pieces? “I think it depends a little on what becomes available.