Just because they didn't extend a qualifying offer didn't mean the Brooklyn Nets weren't interested in retaining former UNC basketball standout Day'Ron Sharpe.
In fact, they made sure to strike a deal before NBA free agency officially opened on Monday afternoon.
> Free agent big man Day'Ron Sharpe intends to sign a two-year, $12 million deal to return to the Brooklyn Nets, sources tell ESPN. [pic.twitter.com/SJXwtgWKHC](https://t.co/SJXwtgWKHC)
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> — Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) [June 30, 2025](https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1939726823211893148?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Shams Charania of ESPN was the first to report that Shape intended on signing a two-year, $12 million deal to return to Brooklyn. The deal will reportedly include a team option as well.
It might seem like a minor move on the surface, but it's actually a major one for the Nets organization. Coming off his best season as a pro, Sharpe has made a strong case to be a starter in the NBA, as plenty of other teams would've been swarming toward him had he made it to the open free agency period.
Last season, Sharpe averaged 7.9 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.8 assists over 50 appearances. What makes his numbers even more impressive is that he averaged just 18.2 minutes per-game, showing how effective he is whenever his number is called upon.
The Nets elected not to extend a $5.98 million qualifying offer Sharpe's way, but made it a focal point to reach an agreement that potentially could have multiple seasons attached. This same franchise handled Nic Claxton's contract in similar fashion: extending him for a two-year deal before dishing out a long-term contract to the big man.
It's very possible that Sharpe can have an even better season in 2025-2026, forcing the organization's hand to extend him during the offseason.
The good news for the Nets is that they handled business with Sharpe. The bad news for other NBA teams in need of a starting caliber big man will have to look elsewhere to fill their void.