By trading Mikal Bridges to the New York Knicks, the Brooklyn Nets signaled the beginning of a roster overhaul as they embark on a rebuilding phase. This move suggests the Nets will likely be sellers in the trade market, aiming to swap their win-now players for young prospects and draft picks as they chart a new course in basketball.
With Jordi Fernandez appointed as the new head coach, Brooklyn is preparing for a fresh start. The Nets seem to be taking a cautious but strategic approach to eventually return to championship contention after an unsuccessful run with superstars like Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden. As the roster reshaping begins, expect many Nets players to be the subject of trade rumors. According to Bleacher Report, Cameron Johnson is expected to be a key name in trade talks throughout the season.
“The Brooklyn Nets clearly opted for a rebuild by trading Mikal Bridges to the New York Knicks. On paper, the team doesn’t look strong as it dives into this rebuild,” wrote Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus. “This could mean several veteran players, starting with Cam Johnson, might be available. Johnson has three years remaining on his contract, beginning with $22.5 million for the 2024-25 season, plus $4.5 million in unlikely incentives that could impact teams’ salary cap calculations. This may present challenges for franchises trying to navigate the NBA’s new, stricter rules.”
Johnson, a 6-foot-8 forward, is known for his floor-spacing and scoring ability, making him an attractive trade target for contending teams. Last season, he averaged 13.4 points per game while shooting 39 percent from beyond the arc. “Other Nets players likely to be involved in trade rumors this season include Dorian Finney-Smith, Bojan Bogdanović, Dennis Schröder, and Ben Simmons,” Pincus added. “With Simmons’ expiring $40.3 million contract, it may be challenging for most teams to take on, so Brooklyn might choose to let the deal expire.”
Beyond Johnson, the Nets are likely to experience significant roster changes in the coming seasons, which is typical for a team in the midst of a rebuild.