There was almost an NBA team called the Swamp Dragons.

And not just any NBA team: it would have been the then-New Jersey Nets becoming the New Jersey Swamp Dragons.

Zach Lowe of ESPN revealed plans for the Nets re-brand from the mid 1990s after the brand new Toronto franchise went with Raptors instead of Dragons.

Dragons would have been pretty cool. Swamp Dragons? Not quite as cool.

According to the report “Fire Dragons” was also being considered after Swamp Dragons garnered criticism.

Related NewsArticle continues below
Duke Blue Devils guard Kon Knueppel (7) shoots the ball against Alabama Crimson Tide center Clifford Omoruyi (11) during the second half in the East Regional final of the 2025 NCAA tournament at Prudential Center.
Ranking 5 best Kon Knueppel destinations in 2025 NBA Draft
Why Nets’ cache of picks presents path for draft night trade
Why Nets’ cache of picks presents path for draft night trade

The change obviously never occurred, but we can still bask in the glory that are these Swamp Dragon mockups:

nets swamp dragons jersey
Taylor Glascock/ESPN
swamp dragons nets court
Taylor Glascock/ESPN

Now just take a second to imagine Jay Z as owner of the Swamp Dragons. You're welcome.