The pivotal first summer of the Brooklyn Nets’ rebuild is here, with a lot of players’ futures up in the air.
The Brooklyn Nets begin their full rebuild in earnest this season. After trading away the likes of Mikal Bridges, Dennis Schroder, and Dorian Finney-Smith last season, they have acquired a wealth of assets.
The Nets did not have the luck in the NBA Draft Lottery, falling to the 8th pick in the draft despite committing to tanking.
However, under new head coach Jordi Fernandez, the team has shown flashes of a new culture emerging. And this summer is crucial to building on that foundation.
The Nets have a league-high 12 players entering free agency this summer. And with their projected $50-$60 million salary cap space, which players will go and which players will return?
Cam Thomas
Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images
2024-25 Stats: 24.0 points, 3.8 assists, and 3.3 rebounds
Status: Restricted Free Agent
Prediction: Re-signed to a team-friendly deal
Ziaire Williams
2024-25 Stats: 10.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.3 assists
Status: Restricted Free Agent
Prediction: Re-signed using the Mid-Level Exception
Day’Ron Sharpe
Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images
2024-25 Stats: 7.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists
Status: Restricted Free Agent
Prediction: Re-signed after renouncing rights to a team-friendly deal
Read More: Brooklyn Nets have the chance to pull off the best offseason in NBA history with five stunning moves
Reece Beckman
2024-25 Stats: N/A
Status: Restricted Free Agent (Two-Way Contract)
Prediction: Will not return to Brooklyn Nets, presumably G-League return
D’Angelo Russell
Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images
2024-25 Stats (with Brooklyn Nets): 12.9 points, 5.6 assists, and 2.8 rebounds
Status: Unrestricted Free Agent
Prediction: Will return either on veteran minimum or a bloated 1-year deal to meet cap requirements
Read More: D’Angelo Russell speaks out on whether he wants to stay with Brooklyn Nets in 2025-26
Trendon Watford
2024-24 Stats: 10.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists
Status: Unrestricted Free Agent (Bird Rights)
Prediction: Nets target wing replacement in 2025 NBA Draft, Watford doesn’t return
De’Anthony Melton
Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images
2024-25 Stats: 10.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists
Status: Unrestricted Free Agent
Prediction: Will sign with another team, not return to Brooklyn
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Keon Johnson
2024-25 Stats: 10.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists
Status: Team Option – $2.3 million
Prediction: Nets activate Team Option
Jalen Wilson
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2024-25 Stats: 9.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.8 assists
Status: Team Option – $2.2 million
Prediction: Nets bring Wilson back, presumably for depth
Read More: Brooklyn Nets’ hopes of trading up for 2025 NBA Draft standout come crashing down
Tyrese Martin
2024-25 Stats: 8.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.0 assists
Status: Team Option – $2.2 million
Prediction: Nets accept Team Option for depth
Drew Timme
Photo by Jordan Bank/Getty Images
2024-25 Stats: 12.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists
Status: Team Option – $2 million
Prediction: Nets accept Team Option