The Brooklyn Nets entered Wednesday's NBA Draft with a wealth of picks and a clear focus on long-term asset accumulation. After making five selections in the first round, the franchise turned its attention to the second round on Thursday. Brooklyn, which has leaned into a full rebuild since dealing away its former All-Stars, continues to prioritize draft capital and future maneuverability.
The Phoenix Suns, fresh off trading Kevin Durant and acquiring top-ten pick Khaman Maluach, entered Thursday night with limited draft resources. With few avenues to add young talent, the franchise has been searching for opportunities to buy into the draft’s middle and later rounds.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver and Brooklyn Nets guard Egor Demin.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver and Brooklyn Nets guard Egor Demin.
Brad Penner-Imagn Images
On Thursday night, the Nets traded the No. 36 overall pick to the Suns in exchange for two future second-round picks, according to ESPN. The deal gives Phoenix three second-round picks—Nos. 36, 52, and 59—in this draft.
Shams Charania reported the transaction on X.
"The Brooklyn Nets are trading the No. 36 pick in tonight's NBA Draft to the Phoenix Suns for two future second-round picks, sources tell ESPN. Suns now own Nos. 36, 52 and 59," he wrote.
Fan reactions were mixed, with some questioning the relevance of the deal.
“The Suns still have second-rounders?” one fan joked.
Another called it the “most meaningless trade ever.”
“Finally a good move for Brooklyn in the draft lol,” said one fan sarcastically.
"Now they trading picks??? Nets are actually the worst organization in all of sports," another fan wrote.
"That still won’t help the Suns ð," another fan predicted.
"Nets continuing the stinker from yesterday," another fan added.
Both the Nets (26-56) and Suns (36-46) endured disappointing campaigns last season. Brooklyn finished 12th in the Eastern Conference, while Phoenix, despite boasting one of the league's most expensive rosters, finished 11th in the West.