The Brooklyn Nets are off to a lackluster start to the 2025-26 campaign and could be headed toward a third straight season without a playoff appearance.
It's no secret the team is in rebuilding mode and focused on maximizing its draft capital. While the season isn't a total loss just yet, expectations remain low in Brooklyn.
Still, the Nets have several players who could be of interest to playoff-caliber teams. Terance Mann is a versatile wing capable of providing a spark for a contender, Michael Porter Jr. is a proven scorer and threat from beyond the arc, and Nic Claxton is a talented rim protector set to make $69.4 million over the next three seasons.
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Both Claxton and Mann could fit well with an Eastern Conference team off to a disappointing start. With Jayson Tatum sidelined for the foreseeable future, the Boston Celtics made several cost-cutting decisions in the offseason, leaving little hope for a deep postseason run.
It wouldn't be surprising to see Boston shed more salary as the season progresses. The team will likely look to return to contention next season — when Tatum is expected to be back at full strength — and could make more moves with the future in mind.
Bleacher Report's Andy Bailey suggested the Nets could target Anfernee Simons, creating a win-win scenario for both sides.
“If both teams could cook up a deal that incentivizes Brooklyn with a future pick and gives Boston less salary than it's sending out, it could make sense for both sides,” he wrote.
Mann and Claxton are both under contract through the 2027-28 season and will earn less this year than Simons.
Boston isn't likely to hold onto Simons’ expiring contract past the trade deadline, so trimming additional salary while acquiring at least one role player for next season may be a viable option. Meanwhile, the Nets have room to absorb more salary this season and could look to make a big signing in free agency next offseason.
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