The Brooklyn Nets are already one of the favorites to win it all in 2021-22, so there's really not much of a need for the team to add more to their already stacked roster.
However, as training camp opens and the season nears, perhaps they'll try to be open-minded towards any and all possible ways to improve. If the Nets were to explore trades, they would likely come with an inverse correlation among key variables “likely to be traded” and “contract size.” As in the bigger the contract, the less likely it is this dude gets traded.
With that said, we take a look at three potential trades the Nets can do, starting from the small trade to the blockbuster one
3. David Nwaba, Houston Rockets
These types of trades are the most likely to happen. Quick, what do the Nets lack? Wing defense and wing depth. So if you were chopping it up in San Diego with Sean Marks, Steve Nash, Joe and Clara Tsai, discussing things like Kyrie Irving's vaccination status, potential max-extensions for James Harden and Kyrie, possible trades to go down early in the season, you'd probably be looking at your smallest salaries.
If you told me a trade happened, Claxton would be one of the first guesses as to who was sent packing because he hasn't been extended yet.
Maybe the Houston Rockets, in full-on rebuilding mode would kick in David Nwaba and an asset or two for Claxton? Now for fans, this would rightfully sting. Yes, Nwaba would endear himself to the fanbase with his tenacious defense. And if the Nets receive a couple of assets for their trouble here, it might mitigate some of that sting.
Nwaba is familiar with the franchise and is now inked for three years and $5 million. That would offer ownership some savings and fans would say “welp, hopefully, that means all of the money is going into keeping the big three around for the long haul.”
There are actually a few other Rockets that might work for a swap. The two teams made solid tango partners during the James Harden blockbuster. Perhaps Sean Marks would hop on the phone and inquire about Jae'Sean Tate, Danuel House or Kenyon Martin Jr. (yes that one) as well.
But further down the line, when we're beyond the “it's bad optics to trade a dude you just signed,” that's when attaching a couple of seconds to an older player who is not in the rotation might get you into the ballpark to land someone helpful without parting with Claxton.
We can be sure Marks will keep those possibilities top of mind as we get into winter and more pressing needs arise.
2. Robert Covington, Portland Trail Blazers
Far less likely here would be a medium-sized trade. If the Nets were routinely getting barbecued on the wings and Kyrie Irving was in the lineups, maybe they would determine that they don't need Patty Mills as much as they originally suspected. What about a package centered around Mills, a low-cost veteran and one of their youngest players Cam Thomas? Could that land them Robert Covington from a soon-to-be disappointing Blazers team?
The prototypical 3-and-D wing, Covington would be an exceptional fit in Brooklyn as he reunites with James Harden.
What if the Nets decided they don't absolutely need to pay so much for a spot-up shooter in Joe Harris, now earning $17.3 million? That would open up lots of trade possibilities, such as the one involving Covington. One of the league's best team defenders and a willing 3 point bomber, Covington represents a solid midseason addition for the Nets–provided the price is right.
1. Ben Simmons, Philadelphia 76ers
Don't expect a blockbuster at all here, but they are the most fun to think about. If the Nets could not make headway with one (or both) of Irving and Harden on an extension, if it sounded like Irving's vaccination status was going to be an issue for the entire season, then maybe they'd call the Philadelphia 7ers about that Ben Simmons for Kyrie swap that Stephen A. Smith said KD wants no part of.
It's unlikely to happen, but if Irving is going to derail the season somehow, then it's worth some thought. Ben Simmons is signed for the next four seasons and the Nets wouldn't have to worry about his fit the way the Sixers do. They'd always have the shooting around him to maximize his talents, and they'd suddenly have one of the best defenders in the league to stick on the opponent's best wing. They'd be able to switch everything on defense and save everyone some wind on that end.
Simmons might have some untapped upside and be able to take on a Draymond Green type role, holding things down defensively and generating open 3s for everyone. Because Simmons is threatening to hold out, perhaps the Nets could extract some future first-rounders out of Philadelphia as well. Those picks might be rerouted to a third team for even more immediate help.
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