RSS Nets Team Notes

[Brooklyn Nets]

Porter Jr. shines while Nets drop seventh in a row, lose to Nuggets 107-103

Jan 29, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Terance Mann (14) defends Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) in the first quarter at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

On their road trip out in the wild, wild west, the tank-committed Brooklyn Nets went for their not-so-magnificent seventh loss in a row tonight. The Denver Nuggets, knocking on San Antonio’s door for the second seed in their respective conference, were eager to oblige. The deal looked jeopardized more than once, but eventually, everyone got what they needed.

Still, game no. 46 for Brooklyn offered more than a blunt exchange between two teams headed in opposite directions. It was also Michael Porter Jr.’s first game back in Denver, where he was drafted, spent the first six years of his career, and won an NBA championship. Scoring numbers, and emotions, were both high…

pic.twitter.com/4qExSmv1Lf

— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) January 30, 2026

“I think it’s what he deserves,” Fernández said postgame of the crowd’s embrace for MPJ. “He’s been part of this club for, I think it’s seven years, and winning a championship here, this being your home for many years, I know this is a business, but for him, it means a lot, to the people here, from his teammates to the fans and everybody. else. They mean the world to him…So, you know, I think it’s very special.”

Porter Jr. had his whole family in the building tonight and wasted little time giving them something to cheer for. MPJ opened the game with 13 points in 10 first quarter minutes, helping the Nets lead by as many as five during the inaugural frame…

MPJ is COOKIN'

already has 11 points in the first 7 minutes! pic.twitter.com/sc3TXi6udH

— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) January 30, 2026

While the setting was second nature to Porter Jr., the cast around him wasn’t. Already shorthanded on talent, the Nets also went into this one with fewer bodies than usual. Noah Clowney (back), Cam Thomas (calf), and Egor Dëmin (plantar fascia) all sat out for injury management purposes. Ziaire Williams also missed the contest with a left calf contusion.

But while that stunted the game’s competitive ambiance, it did give us Nolan Traorè‘s first career start. Brooklyn’s second first rounder from the 2025 NBA Draft spent most of this season’s first half on Long Island, but has had the look of a pro since coming up. He dropped a career-high 21 points against the Boston Celtics last week and has his averages up to 5.8/2.7/1.2 on the season. He joined Porter to start the game alongside fellow rookie Danny Wolf, Nic Claxton, and Terance Mann.

Despite Porter Jr.’s early onslaught and Traoré game-breaking speed making an early entrance, the Nets trailed after one by a 30-26 score. Denver benefited from a 7-11 shooting start from beyond the arc, boosted by Tim Hardaway Jr.‘s 4-5 start as an individual.

Denver's bench has scored almost half of its 41 total points, thanks largely to Tim Hardaway Jr. (16 points) pic.twitter.com/sTsvrIYOBb

— Matt Brooks (@MattBrooksNBA) January 30, 2026

The three-point shot proved to be a double-edged sword in the second. At one end, Denver kept poking the Nets from afar, going 10-15 from three in the period. At the other, it lured them into empty possession after empty possession, with Brooklyn shooting 5-16 from there by halftime.

It was Hardaway again, pushing on that blade the most in the second. He went into the half with 19 points while shooting 7-8 from the field and 5-6 from deep. When he or others weren’t hitting from downtown, Jamal Murray was drawing doubles and finding his teammates for easy buckets.

The Net offense seemed almost nonexistent minus Porter, who waltzed into 20 first half points while shooting 7-13 from the field. Traoré did well penetrating Denver’s defense but his teammates struggled to finish off possessions both near and far from the rim. Nets not named Porter Jr. combined for just 17 points by the break.

Danny Wolf with the assist. pic.twitter.com/HiwZWL5JJd

— Collin Helwig (@collinhelwig) January 30, 2026

The Nuggets began the second half with a comfortable 64-49 advantage, but the Nets wouldn’t let them stay settled for long. Brooklyn opened the third on a 16-4 run, fueled by some resurgent shooting from deep, tighter defensive rotations and a willingness to push in the full court. Within three minutes of play in third, the Nets were already within three (now say that three times fast).

With the game reaching its most exciting point, both teams of course then went scoreless for the next three and a half minutes. After that brief wait, the Nets eventually tied, boiling their extended run to 24-6, but Denver swung back with their primary weapon from the first half, with Hardaway canning another three soon after. The Nuggets were able to tread water after getting that lift from him, going into the fourth up by a 79-76 margin, also thanks in part to this fumble in the backfield by Ben Saraf…

Not how you want to end a close third quarter on the road… pic.twitter.com/vxRQlxTWDD

— Collin Helwig (@collinhelwig) January 30, 2026

Jordi Fernández started the fourth with a five featuring him, Sharpe, Jalen Wilson, Tyrese Martin, and Drake Powell. At first, old blood looked superior to the new, as ex-Net Bruce Brown put in a quick six points against that less experience lineup to keep his team ahead.

BRUCE BROWN pic.twitter.com/GRkq2T8fQN

— Matt Brooks (@MattBrooksNBA) January 30, 2026

It wasn’t until just under the eight minute mark of the fourth when Porter Jr. came back in. After doing so, he immediately nailed his seventh three of the night, pushing his scoring total up to 34 by that point. His next bucket, which he earned for himself off a steal, came three minutes later and made it a tie game 90-90 with 5:55 to go.

And while Porter Jr. continued his big night, Traoré picked up the slack for the Net youth movement. The Brooklyn Bugatti gave his team exactly what it needed on both ends after checking in with 7:02 to play, battling for loose balls and plunging into the Nugget defense as if he were the 19th century gold miner.

Nolan Traoré growing up right before our eyes. Look at him directing traffic, finishing with a fadeaway.

Nets not going away here in Denver. pic.twitter.com/bvenzuy5XI

— Collin Helwig (@collinhelwig) January 30, 2026

Traoré eventually put the Nets up by two with 4:30 to go, giving them their first lead since since the score was 31-30.

“Keep doing what the team needs from you, and I think they both have done it,” Fernández said of Traoré and Wolf. “Nolan, touching the pain, get everybody organized, playing pick and roll. He looked like composed at all times.”

But unfortunately for Brooklyn, that made it crunch time, and that’s when no. 27 on the other team thrives. After that quick burst, Murray promptly scored or assisted on eight straight points for Denver. That gave his Nuggets a 100-94 lead with 1:48 remaining.

Terrific pass from Jamal Murray against this late double team pic.twitter.com/SEzhEbowvJ

— Matt Brooks (@MattBrooksNBA) January 30, 2026

Both teams then went back and forth for a few possessions, including one that gave Porter Jr. a season high in scoring and an important stamp of validation for a “revenge” game. However, as time on the clock shrank, Denver’s lead never followed, and that made it a slow crawl to a loss for Brooklyn.

Once we got under a minute, the Nets only had enough tokens left for a run at the free throw game. Remember when Jonas Valančiūnas gave Paul Pierce x Kevin Garnett all they could handle in the first round of the 2014 NBA playoffs? Well, he’s playing in his 14th season right now, and stuck around to stick it to us one more time. He iced this one, making both his shots from the stripe to make it a four point game with just two seconds left.

“I think it was a good fight,” Fernández said postgame. “And at the end, obviously Jamal made some tough shots, but the fact that we were up two, or whatever it was, with two minutes to go, I’m proud of the guys who are playing winning basketball and competitive basketball.”

Porter Jr. finished with 38 points, 10 rebounds, and three assists while shooting 13-28 from the field and 7-15 from deep.

“Yeah, I think his effort, especially offensively, finishing cuts and being aggressive, that was awesome,“ Fernández said. ”Also with 10 rebounds, three assists, one turnover, very good line for him. I think he was that part of that third quarter that brought us back, and when he’s locked in defensively, with his size, keep bodies in front and rebounding, that’s when we had really good quarters. So, credit to the whole team. Mike did his job. We know how efficient he is.“

In the end, Porter Jr. got his flowers, perhaps even more respect, but the Nuggets got the win.

Final: Denver Nuggets 107, Brooklyn Nets 103

Milestone Watch​

• Porter Jr. had a season-high 38 points with 10 rebounds. It is tied as the third-most points in a game in his career (high of 39, twice). This is the first time in his career with 35+ points in back-to-back games and his 10th career 30-point double-double (third of the season).
• Going 7-13 tonight and 6-10 from 3-point territory last time out at PHX (1/27), Porter Jr. is the 10th player in Nets history to make 6+ 3-pointers in back-to-back games.
• Porter Jr. had his seventh 20-point half this season, which establishes his most in any career season (had six halves with 20+ points in 2024-25).

With tonight’s loss and the Wizards’ win, five teams including the Nets are now at 12 wins. Because the Nets have played few games, they are officially tied for the No. 4 seed in the Tankathon rankings, but the Kings, Pelicans, Pacers, Nets and Wizards are all essentially tied for the top spot. And if teams tie for a top pick? They’ll share chances and ping pong balls come May 10, officially announced yesterday as date of the lottery.

Injury Report​

While Ziaire Williams’ injury certainly looked concerning when Traoré and Haywood Highsmith had to carry him off the floor on Tuesday, Jordi Fernández downplayed it pregame.

“Just a contusion,” Fernández said. “He won’t be ready for tonight obviously but it’s just day to day. The good thing is that it’s nothing major, it’s just not allowing him to play right now. Hopefully we’ll have him back soon.”

We’ll provide more updates as they come in on Williams. He’s already missed a handful of games this month with an illness.

Next Up​

Brooklyn’s road trip takes them to Salt Lake City next, where the Nets will play their second and final game of the year vs the Utah Jazz. Brooklyn fell to them at home nearly two months ago despite a 29-point performance from Noah Clowney. If you’re staying in to watch this one, you’ll still have yourself a late Friday night. Out west, this game tips at 9:30 p.m. ET.

• Boxscore: Denver Nuggets 107, Brooklyn Nets 103 – NBA
• Game Highlights: Denver Nuggets 107, Brooklyn Nets 103 (Video) – NBA
• Jordi Fernandez PostGame Interivew – YES Network
• Murray scores 27, Nuggets beat Nets 107-103 in Porter’s return to Denver – Michael Kelly – AP
• Michael Porter Jr.’s best game of year not enough for Nets in loss to depleted Nuggets – Brian Lewis – New York Post
• Tank mission shouldn’t stop Nets from making team-altering Giannis Antetokounmpo offer ($) – Brian Lewis – New York Post
• Michael Porter Jr. pours in 38 in return to Denver, but Nets fall short late ($) – C.J. Holmes – New York Daily News
• Nets’ Double Teams Unlocking Triple Threats ($) – Steve Lichtenstein – Steve’s Newsletter

Source: https://www.netsdaily.com/nets-scor...s-nuggets-107-103-michael-porter-jamal-murray

 

[Brooklyn Nets]

Nets vs. Nuggets preview: Michael Porter Jr returns to Denver

NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 4: Michael Porter Jr. #17 of the Brooklyn Nets high fives Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets before the game on January 4, 2026 at Barclays Center in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by David L. Nemec/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

A heck of a fight, but no win to show for it. The Brooklyn Nets went into the desert on Tuesday night to take on an improved Phoenix Suns team. There were plenty of antics throughout the night and the Nets were competitive all the way through. However, it wasn’t enough as the Nets fell four points short.

The opponent tonight has hung tough and is one of the best teams in the Western Conference. The Denver Nuggets enter tonight’s contest third in the Western Conference and have a good chance of getting back to the NBA Finals this year. They lost a close one to the Detroit Pistons at home on Tuesday night.

Where to follow the game​

YES Network on TV. WFAN on radio. Gotham Sports on streaming. Tip after 9 pm.

Injuries​

The following are out:

• Noah Clowney
• Egor Dёmin
• Cam Thomas
• Haywood Highsmith
• Ziaire Williams

Terance Mann is questionable.

The following are out:

• Nikola Jokic
• Aaron Gordon
• Christian Braun
• Cam Johnson
• Tamar Bates

Jamal Murray and Jonas Valanciunas are both probable.

The game​

Brooklyn won the first meeting.

These next two days certainly won’t be easy. When this game ends, the Nets immediately hit the road to travel to Utah to face the Jazz. This part of the road trip is especially challenging as they have to navigate tough teams as well as a challenging environment.

Fortunately for the Nets, the Nuggets don’t force too many turnovers. Denver is 29th in the NBA in opponent’s turnover rate this season. Brooklyn is 28th in turnover rate when they have the ball, and we’ve seen them give games away with ill timed mistakes. Even without the Joker, the Nuggets are still incredibly tough and will be a great challenge for this Nets team desperately trying to snap this latest losing streak.

Without Dёmin, there should be plenty of minutes available for Drake Powell and Nolan Traore. Powell got benched after halftime on Tuesday, but should get another crack at it tonight for the Nets. This particular back-to-back will be draining on them, so it’ll be interesting to see how Jordi Fernandez manages their minutes in this one.

Injuries suck, but for the players remaining, it represents an opportunity to take on a bigger role and see how you adjust to tougher circumstances. So far, Peyton Watson has passed with flying colors. His shooting percentages have taken a big step forward even with increased responsibility on offense while still playing great defense. When Johnson, Braun, and Gordon return, Watson’s recent run of success will help make the return-to-play process easier for them as they won’t feel pressure to get back to speed quickly.

An old nemesis awaits Nic Claxton and Day’ron Sharpe tonight. Jonas Valanciunas is still a bear on the offensive glass and can still punish you in the low post as well. He’s never shot below 53 percent from the field in his career and even in year 14 has enough moxie and veteran savvy to always make something good happen. His absence from the first meeting was notable as Denver lost the rebound battle to Brooklyn by 11. It’s highly unlikely that happens this time around, so Sharpe and Claxton will need to match his physicality every trip down.

Player to Watch: Jamal Murray​

In a few days, we’ll find out if Murray will finally earn his first All-Star selection. Since Jokic’s injury, Murray has been averaging 27.8 points per game on .491/.395/.853 shooting splits in almost 37 minutes a night. It’s a lot to try and keep things afloat while Jokic heals, but Murray has been more than capable of keeping the ship steady while also expanding his game. Murray has hit plenty of big time shots in his career, and as the Nuggets progress through this season, his steady play will keep their championship window open. An All-Star game nomination would be a well deserved reward and acknowledgement of Murray’s excellence this season. Hopefully he gets it!

It’s going to be an incredibly emotional night for Michael Porter Jr. Across his seven years in Denver, he grew from highly touted prospect to eventual NBA Champion. During his time there, he fought through debilitating injuries and grew to become a steady, day in and day out contributor. However, it was time to move on and begin a new era in Brooklyn. The trade allowed Porter Jr. to blossom in a new direction and the Nuggets to chart a new path to contention. It should be all love tonight when MPJ is introduced, and as Zach Mikash of Denver Stiffs wrote over the summer:

“Most, myself included, will describe the Porter trade as a positive for the Nuggets, particularly when considering the move and how it improved the roster holistically. That doesn’t mean it isn’t bittersweet though. No, I’m not a fan of Mike’s lapses on defense and yes, I wish he would say less on podcasts, but I fully recognize what he did for this franchise and how big of a piece he was to winning a title. It’s always sad when a staple leaves a team and Mike is no different. He is a champion and he always will be just like he is a Nugget and he always will be. Thank you MPJ, for everything you did for this franchise. Yeah Mike!”

Win-win all around.

MPJ comes into this contest following a 36 point game against the Suns on Tuesday. Porter Jr getting hot gives Brooklyn their best chance to win, and tonight he’ll probably be extra amped to put on a show. He’s likely going to be sitting out Friday’s game in Utah, so don’t be surprised if he gets a few more minutes than usual tonight. It certainly will make for a fun show for the fans in the arena and at home.

From the Vault​

A lot of good times in Denver for Porter Jr

More reading: Bright Side of the Sun, SB Nation NBA, New York Post, New York Daily News, Clutch Points, Nets Wire, Steve’s Newsletter, City of Nets

• Brooklyn Nets Game Notes – Brooklyn Nets

Source: https://www.netsdaily.com/nets-game...s-preview-michael-porter-jr-returns-to-denver

 

[Brooklyn Nets]

RUMOR ROUND-UP: Are Nets ‘in play’ in Greek Freakout?

With five days left till Thursday’s 3:00 p.m. ET trade deadline, the Brooklyn Nets have:

• the youngest roster in the NBA, the average a little more 23 games:
• four of the 20 youngest players in the league, the sixth (Nolan Traore), eighth (Ben Saraf), 11th (Egor Demin), and 19th (Drake Powell) plus two 21-year-olds who like them are on a rookie deal( Noah Clowney and Danny Wolf);
• A total of as many as 32 draft picks going forward, most in the league, including 13 firsts, 10 of which are tradeable immediately;
• Likely a high lottery pick in the loaded 2026 Draft, plus as many as three mid-to-high second rounders:
• $15.3 million in cap space through the start of free agency, still the most in the NBA, then perhaps as much as $48.8 million next season, per Keith Smith. Still top three or four.
• Michael Porter Jr., Nic Claxton, Day-Ron Sharpe;
• An ownership group (the Tsai and Koch families) who have a combined net worth of $95 billion;
• Oh yeah, they play in New York City.

Alas, they also have only 12 wins.

Do you really believe that all those assets, all that flexibility, the Nets won’t play some role in the Giannis Antetokuonmpo trade speculation? The front office and ownership are going to dismiss the possibility of acquiring a top 5 player, even with injury and contract issues? They didn’t sacrifice the past two years without fantasizing about Giannis in black-and-white!

We don’t know but in the past few days, the Nets have nudged their way into the Greek Freakout (trademark pending) conversation, either as a facilitator — friend with draft picks, so to speak — to an actual suitor for the 31-year-old who’s won two MVPs and the Finals MVP.

Brian Lewis spoke with two (serious) league officials who suggested that they believe the Nets are in it to win it.

“The Nets make a lot of sense for him,” one Eastern Conference assistant GM told The Post. “They have some good future picks. [They] could, in theory, trade five future picks, keep this year’s pick, shut him down for the year? Tank?”

The GM said he believes that if there is a deal, the actual parameters would fall outside the speculation … that Michael Porter Jr. would be the key for the Nets.

“I’d speculate that Claxton and [Terance] Mann are the outgoing salary and Porter stays,” the assistant GM told The Post, adding, “But that’s not based on inside info.”

Michael Porter Jr. has been the subject of a lot of speculation over the last few days with speculation his $38.0 million deal this season would be a big help in both matching salary and addressing the loss of the 6’11” athlete from Greece.

That said, Shams Charania, Marc Stein, Jake Fischer and Lewis have reported, almost in chorus, that the Nets are NOT/NOT interested in moving MPJ who they and their fans have become fond of.

Brian Windhorst was the latest reporter to say while there’s all those assets sitting there the Nets want to keep Porter.

Windy on MPJ:

"I know everybody thinks that Porter's available, that would be news to me. I have not heard that he is available. If he is available wait for Shams to tell me because I haven't heard that" pic.twitter.com/z9i24WtGGI

— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) January 30, 2026

Putting it that way implies that not this may not be posturing. More than one reporter has said that assuming the Nets get who or what they want in the June Draft, they’ll start the move from rebuild to contention. Another source of Lewis said that this now just may be the right time.

“Then this is their moment,” the source said. “Really depends on if they decide that their aimless tank is over. They could sure make the best offer.”

At the end of the day, though, no one is currently reporting that the Nets have made an offer. But oh those draft picks, as Frank Isola alluded to on YES pregame Thursday pregame.

“I did some reporting on this,” said Isola once the top Daily News basketball writer, “The Bucks have yet to received a ‘wow’ offer,” implying that the front office at Fi-Serve Arena is going to play hard bull once the nut-cutting routing accelerates as we get closer to the deadline.

“You hear about the Warriors, you hear about the Heat , but I think the Brooklyn Nets would be involved,” Isola said unsolicited. “I should say be in play because Milwaukee,, from everything I heard, are looking for young players and draft picks and be ready to rebuild completely. So when you think about the assets the Nets have in play and don’t rule out the Goldens State Warriors as well.”

Isola said the Bucks could also wait until the summer when teams will have more flexibility.

As we reported Thursday, Windhorst believes the Nets will ultimately make an offer.

“Brooklyn has 10 tradeable firsts and Michael Porter Jr. and 11 tradeable firsts as of draft night. Do we think Brooklyn will make an offer,” the ESPN’s top NBA insider asked amidst a back-and-forth among three ESPN writers. “I think Brooklyn will seriously consider making an offer.”

We also don’t know how Antetokounmpo feels about the Nets as a final destination. He wants to win more titles and the Nets are far from that. Also, we don’t know how the Nets see him. (Two years ago, Brooklyn wanted everyone to believe they were a natural fit for Damian Lillard. It was all a smoke screen.)

As for Brooklyn once again using their assets to facilitate deals — they’ve made four salary dumps since July — the general impression that this is more likely than a trade that would bring Giannis to Barclays. Among the assets Isola noted, is the cap space. Keith Smith this week did a rundown for Spotrac of where teams stand with the aprons and luxury tax threshold. The bottom line for the Nets is that around 10 teams could gain a lot of relief with salary dumps as long as the draft assets are good.

The Nets have flexibility going forward both now and at the Draft. Have they had the famous “internal conversations” about Giannis? How can you think they have not.

Meanwhile, speculation re: Day’Ron Sharpe grows. The most recent is a possible deal with Oklahoma City who is looking for a big man after losing three of four. Increasingly, there’s belief that the 6’9” big could fetch a first rounder. Just this week, it was revealed that Sharpe has the highest offensive rebounding percentage in league history at 18.3% surpassing both Jayson Williams, the former Net, and Dennis Rodman, the Hall of Famer.

Source: https://www.netsdaily.com/nets-rumors/105348/rumor-round-up-are-nets-in-play-in-greek-freakout

 

[Zedster]

Really cool to see Tyson Etienne etch his name in Long Island history like that. The fact that he was practicing at Nassau Coliseum back in high school at Long Island Lutheran and now holds the franchise scoring record there is a nice full circle moment. His mindset about staying the course through the ups and downs is the kind of attitude that keeps guys grinding in the G League.

Tough loss against Denver, but MPJ putting up 38 in his return to Ball Arena was something special. You could tell that game meant a lot to him. Seven years there, a championship, and the crowd still showing him love - that's the respect you earn when you handle your business the right way. The Nuggets were pretty banged up without Jokic, Gordon, and Braun, so this one stings a bit more than it should.

Nolan Traorè getting his first career start was interesting to watch. Kid has serious speed and looked composed out there directing traffic in crunch time. Him and Danny Wolf are getting thrown into the fire with all these injuries, but that's probably the best development path for them at this point in the season.

As for the Giannis speculation... I mean, the assets are there. Thirteen first rounders, all that cap space, and ownership with deep pockets. But trading for a 31-year-old with injury concerns when you're sitting at 12 wins feels like it would undercut everything they've been building toward. The front office seems pretty attached to MPJ too based on all the reporting. Guess we'll see what happens before Thursday, but I'd be surprised if they make a blockbuster move right now. The timeline just doesn't quite fit.

 

[Brooklyn Nets]

50 Years on: Could Nets honor the ABA and Dr. J at Lottery?

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 25: Julius Erving speaks at Vince Carter's jersey retirement during half time of the Brooklyn Nets and Miami Heat's match up at Barclays Center on January 25, 2025 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jordan Bank/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Nets won the ABA’s final game. Then they were forced to sell the best player in the world just to survive. Yeah, that qualifies as a justification for a curse.

The Nets and Nuggets were the last two teams to play an ABA game: May 13, 1976.

It’s the 50-year anniversary for the final ABA season and the final championship won by the then New York, then New Jersey, then Brooklyn Nets. .

There are four ABA teams that are still in the NBA: Nuggets, Nets, Pacers, and Spurs, the survivors of a league that once reached 12. The Nuggets and Spurs have won a total of six NBA championships in the NBA. The Nets and Pacers have gotten to the Finals but came away bling-less. You’d think a 50th anniversary would be mentioned this year, in some form. It hasn’t happened.

Perhaps it’s uncelebrated for several reasons.​

The 50-year anniversary of the merger is less a celebration than a blemished milestone. The NBA didn’t inherit the ABA… it sort of replaced it. The league kept the stars and the style, but erased the branding, records, and much of the acknowledgment that another league helped build the modern game.

“The ABA still lives within the NBA, no question about it,” Erving said in 2016.

Honoring the ABA means revisiting uncomfortable math. Four teams were allowed in. Two were paid to essentially disappear (Kentucky Colonels & Spirits of St. Louis). The Spirits, owned by Ozzie and Daniel Silna, negotiated a television deal so lucrative that until a decade ago it still made airwaves in today’s NBA TV rights.

They got $2.2 million upfront plus a one-seventh share of television revenue from each ABA team that joined the NBA… forever. As NBA broadcasts exploded in the ’80s and ’90s, that tiny share became massive. The Silnas collected tens of millions a year for decades, eventually totaling hundreds of millions before a 2014 settlement capped it. Forbes called it the “greatest sports deal of all-time.”

Others got rich but ABA contracts got voided or renegotiated. Players had minimal benefits. ABA stats weren’t fully integrated into NBA history, thus the Nets championships technically aren’t even recognized as official.

And one… the Nets​

Half a century after joining the NBA, the merger’s costs still cast a shadow over the Nets’ legacy, and Dr. J’s presence looms large.

The New York Nets faced the opposite problem to the Spirits of St. Louis. The Nets were forced to pay the standard $3.2 million expansion fee plus $4.5 million to the New York Knicks for territorial rights. It may not seem onerous now but it was a big deal back then for the Nets owners whose primary asset was not the Nets, but the NHL’s Islanders both of whom played at Nassau Coliseum.

Under the NBA merger rules, each team controlled a 75-mile radius around its arena. No other franchise could relocate, play, or market in that zone without permission, and teams could demand compensation if a newcomer entered their territory. Nassau Coliseum fell squarely inside the Knicks’ protected zone.

Roy Boe, owners of the Nets, paid the $7.7 million in fees (roughly $37-40M today) before salaries, operations, or retaining Julius Erving. The Knicks’ refusal to waive the territorial fee forced the Nets to make the only viable move: sell Erving, native of Roosevelt, Long Island, twisting the knife even further. (Oh yes, the Knicks also refused to accept Dr. J as compensation. They wanted the cash.)

Owner Roy Boe sold Dr. J to the Sixers but it might’ve bought the team a curse. “It killed me to have to think about doing it,” he said in 2002.

Basketball’s sweethearts with Dr. J at the forefront of it all, in the red, white, blue jerseys with the stars on the side. An afro as vibrant and in-your-face as the league. The Boes were simply forced to demolish the culture, the legend.

“There will always be a soft spot in my heart for the Nets, having played on two ABA championship teams for the franchise.” Erving has said.

But Dr. J didn’t necessarily want it to end. ​

Erving and his agent knew his value. When Boe told him the team couldn’t meet his salary demands, Erving refused to play under those conditions, holding out of camp until a resolution could be found.

In the years that followed, his Philadelphia teams became a perennial contender. The Nets fell into instability, missed the playoffs repeatedly, and Roy Boe sold the team in 1978. He also dealt the Isles and they immediately went on to dominate the NHL with four straight Stanley Cup titles,

Since then…

Relocations:​

• In 1977, the Nets moved back to New Jersey.
• They played at the Rutgers Athletic Center and later the Meadowlands for roughly 30 years.
• In 2012, they relocated to Brooklyn, moving into the Barclays Center and rebranding as the Brooklyn Nets.

History:​

• The Nets reached their first NBA Finals in 2002 and 2003 but fell short both times.
• Since moving to Brooklyn in 2012, the team has made it past the first round of the playoffs twice.
• 42.4 win percentage (1,692 wins & 2,303 losses).

Roy Boe purchased the team for $1.1 million in 1969. In 1978, the NYT estimated the Nets valuation at $10 million, but the price of the sale was never made public. The group that purchased the Nets was led by Alan N. Cohen, former Chairman and CEO of the Madison Square Garden Corporation, the parent company of the New York Knicks and New York Rangers, the Nets’ primary territorial rivals.

As far as it goes for 54-point losses on MSG hardwood or Nets franchise players demanding trades to the Knicks — there’s a reason why it stings extra for the little brother. By no mistake.

Now, 50 years later, Erving returned to the spotlight specifically for Vince Carter’s jersey retirement. Anniversaries tend to spotlight triumph but this one isn’t. The ABA’s influence is everywhere in today’s NBA, but the cost of getting here doesn’t fit neatly into a highlight reel.

The Nets defeated the Nuggets and claimed basketball glory in 1976. Since then, the franchise has moved, rebranded, and struggled, never fully escaping the consequences of the merger.

The Nuggets now boast the best player in the world, Nikola Jokić, and it’s hard not to see the irony. The Nets once had the best player in the world too — and the merger forced them to give him up. Then sold to the rivals.

The franchise hasn’t erased their history completely, but there’s an opportunity to honor it. Just as Dr. J returned for Vince Carter’s retirement, could he also return to the Nets again. Just this week, the NBA finally announced the day for the NBA Lottery: May 10, just three days before the actual anniversary. It would an ideal way to honor the 1976 team, Erving and can conduct a worthy science experiment: if karma can move ping pong balls.

It’ll be expensive to arrange, difficult too with NBA but the price might be worth paying.

• Amazon Dates Docuseries on Rise and Fall of the ABA Executive Produced by Dr. J (Exclusive)

Source: https://www.netsdaily.com/nets-hist...-could-nets-honor-the-aba-and-dr-j-at-lottery

 

[Brooklyn Nets]

Scotto: Bucks interested in Cam Thomas

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - JANUARY 30: Cam Thomas #24 of the Brooklyn Nets handles the ball during the game against the Utah Jazz on January 30, 2026 at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Cam Thomas may have finally found a suitor.

Mike Scotto of Hoopshype reports Saturday in his reporting that the Milwaukee Bucks have interest in the Nets shooting guard who (coincidently or not) had his best game in weeks Friday night, scoring 21 points off the bench and being one of the team’s leaders in a win. After missing 20 games to a hamstring strain, Thomas is now coming off the bench. For the season, he’s averaging 16.1 points and 3.3 assists in 18 games with shooting splits of 40/32/85 shooting splits.

While trade talks surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo have garnered all the league’s attention, the Milwaukee Bucks have explored other smaller moves.

With that in mind, Cam Thomas and D’Angelo Russell are both on Milwaukee’s radar contingent on other deals the Bucks are working on, league sources told HoopsHype.

Thomas, a proven bucket getter that averaged 22.9 points in 91 combined games in his prior two seasons, would potentially be useful for the Bucks, who rank fourth-worst in points per game (111.8). It’s worth noting that Thomas has a no-trade clause and would need to approve of any trade.

Thomas, of course, exercised his team option back in September, turning down a two-year $30 million (with second year a team option or a one-year, $9.5 million a deal. The whole process a seemingly signaled that he’d like to move on after four tumultuous seasons in Brooklyn. Thomas is making $6.0 million this season but because he exercised the option, he must approve any trade. If the Nets do not trade him or waive him, they will still have his Bird Rights as an unrestricted free agent.

The 24-year-old trade market has been devalued for a variety of reasons, some related to his style of play and now his health. In the last year and a half he’s missed 73 games to hamstring strains. Indeed, NetsDaily was told that the Nets didn’t receive a single trade offer last summer for Thomas.

Source: https://www.netsdaily.com/nets-rumors/105383/scotto-bucks-interested-in-cam-thomas

 

[Brooklyn Nets]

Nets vs. Pistons preview: Welcome to February

DENVER, COLORADO - JANUARY 27: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons celebrates after defeating the Denver Nuggets 109-107 at Ball Arena on January 27, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Left with a W. The Brooklyn Nets took on the Utah Jazz Friday night as part of the second half of a back-to-back. The Nets were shorthanded but got plenty of terrific contributions across the board and came away with a 109-99 victory. The W snapped the team’s seven game losing streak.

It was a particularly good night for Egor Demin who returned to Salt Lake City where he played last season for BYU. He set a couple of records, including the longest streak of games with at least one 3-pointer with 34. His 25 points and 10 boards marked the first double-double of his career.

The opponent tonight might be the biggest surprise in the NBA. The Detroit Pistons stand on top of the Eastern Conference and are having their best season in decades. They helped the cause with a 131-124 win over the Golden State Warriors on Friday night. They return home to begin a four game homestand.

Where to follow the game​

YES Network on TV. WFAN on radio. Tip after 6:00 p.m. ET.

Injuries​

Noah Clowney, Ziaire Williams, and Haywood Highsmith are out. Ben Saraf is still with the big club.

Caris Levert is questionable while Cade Cunningham is probable.

The game​

Detroit won the first matchup.

We are on the fast track to the NBA trade deadline! The big day is on Thursday February 5, and the Conference leading Pistons might be in the market for some reinforcements. Could they be turning to Brooklyn for some help? Michael Porter Jr has been floated as an option, but nothing appears imminent on that front as of yet. However, Sean Corp of Detroit Bad Boys wrote about how Porter could help this rising Detroit basketball club:

If the Pistons go big-game hunting, it’s no surprise that Porter Jr. would be at the top of their list. Porter is the most coveted large wing shooter on the trade market, and that checks every box on Detroit’s wish list. He is shooting 39% from three on nearly 10 attempts a game, is a legit 6-foot-10, and has acquitted himself well in the playoffs. He is under team control for one more season beyond this one at $40 million.

Could be a good match!

For now, MPJ will be back in the lineup after sitting out on Friday. He’s hit for 30+ points in two out of the last three games and hit the Pistons for 28 points in the first matchup. Porter Jr is one of the more intriguing trade prospects this season, and if the Nets don’t find a suitable package for him, at least they know that they can count on him being a solid contributor next season and beyond.

In the meantime, he’ll be waiting on Sunday’s announcement of the East’s All-Star reserves.

Brooklyn’s going to be at a big disadvantage on the glass tonight. The Pistons are third in the NBA at rebound rate while the Nets are 24th. Jalen Duren is one of the league leaders in rebounds and one of the most physical players in the league. The Nets are going to need big outings from Day’ron Sharpe and Nic Claxton on the inside if they want to get this win. Limiting second chance points will help the Nets get out on the run while also reducing a Pistons strength.

However, if the Nets want to win, they’re going to have to reverse one season long trend. The Nets are 28th in turnover rate, which is bad enough. Making matters worse is the Pistons lead the NBA in opponent turnover rate, are second in points off of turnovers, and fourth in fastbreak points. If the Nets aren’t careful, they’re going to get run out of the building quickly. Not good.

———————————

Sean Marks and two other Nets staffers were in Lawrence, Kansas, yesterday to watch the faceoff between Kansas guard Darryn Peterson and BYU’s A.J. Dybantsa, generally conceded to be, along with Duke’s Cam Boozer, the prize catches of the 2026 NBA Draft. He and everyone else in NetsWorld have to hope the basketball gods bless the Nets with one of them.

In the end, Peterson outshone Dybantsa but at the same time Jayhawks coach Bill Self held Peterson out the final 16 minutes of the game with leg cramps highlighting his history of nagging injuries.

Brooklyn’s three representatives were the most dispatched to Lawence by 17 NBA teams.

Player to watch: Cade Cunningham​

All Star starter, signature Nike athlete, and all around excellent player. This season has been magical for Cade Cunningham and he has plenty of room for even more success coming up. The former number one pick is getting to the free throw line at the highest rate of his career and is also having his best season finishing at the rim as well. He’s fourth in the NBA in drives per game, so look for him to probe and attack early and often. Cade is a midrange maestro and great decision maker. He’s everything you want in a franchise player and this season has to feel incredibly rewarding after all the struggles his teams had to begin his career.

The fun part about watching a rookie have a career best game is wondering how they can follow it up the next time out. Egor Dёmin had career highs in points (25) and rebounds (ten) on Friday night and he’s making a great case to be on one of the All-Rookie teams at the end of the season. Some of his drives really stood out and if he’s able to get to the rim more consistently, it will open his game up. Last nights of a road trip are always tough, but a strong performance would help the Nets properly transition into the month of February.

From the Vault​

Ones in the air for Catherine O’Hara

More reading: Detroit Bad Boys, SB Nation NBA, New York Post, New York Daily News, Clutch Points, Nets Wire, Steve’s Newsletter

• Brooklyn Nets Game Notes – Brooklyn Nets
• Detroit Pistons Game Notes – Detroit Pistons
• Detroit plays Brooklyn in conference matchup – AP
• Nets’ Michael Porter Jr. set to learn All-Star Game fate: ‘Would be a dream come true’ – Brian Lewis – New York Post
• Nets front office has sights set on two top prospects who could change direction of franchise – Brian Lewis – New York Post
• Nets’ Egor Demin sets insane rookie record during win over Jazz – Erik Slater – Clutch Points

Source: https://www.netsdaily.com/nets-game...istons-nba-preview-cade-cunningham-egor-demin

 

[Brooklyn Nets]

ANALYSIS: Was Brooklyn Nets’ Michael Porter Jr. an All-Star snub?

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 18: Michael Porter Jr. #17 of the Brooklyn Nets dribbles against Norman Powell #24 of the Miami Heat during the first half at Barclays Center on December 18, 2025 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Michael Porter Jr. is averaging 25.6 points and 3.2 assists, both career-highs. Throw in his seven rebounds a night and the fact that he is true-shooting 61.8% (+3.8% over league-average) on a team devoid of other high-end talent, and it seems like an ironclad All-Star case.

Not so. The NBA announced the full list of All-Star reserves on Sunday afternoon; Porter Jr. did not make the cut. Nearly three weeks after NBA PR released full voting results for All-Star starters, it came as a bit of a surprise. In that round of voting, MPJ was firmly inside the cut line among players, fans, and media. Reminder: for all the silliness of the All-Star game format this season, the selection process remains unchanged, and a dozen players from each conference are selected…

The coaches, however, are responsible for selecting the reserves, and they did not deem MPJ worthy of his first All-Star appearance. They did not heed the words of peer Jordi Fernández: “We’ve competed for a lot of games, and he’s a big reason why we’re there. He’s just doing his job, and it’s not about him; it’s about the group. So if you think about his impact on competitiveness, that’s what All-Stars do, and that’s why Mike should be there.”

So, was MPJ a snub? Well, we can’t say that without examining the rest of the field…

The Locks​

• Donovan Mitchell
• Jalen Johnson
• Jalen Duren
• Scottie Barnes

Though 25 points a night ain’t what it used to be, it’s still a steep hill to climb. No 25 PPG scorer (over a full season) has missed the All-Star game since 2017, when Damian Lillard and Karl-Anthony Towns both fell victim to statflation. Of course, MPJ’s averages may fall in March and April, but his scoring output is typically All-Star worthy, even in today’s day and age.

That being said, Porter Jr. was firmly behind these four players in the All-Star race. Only Mitchell is out-scoring Porter, but the other three are simply too impactful on teams much better than the Nets (yes, even the Atlanta Hawks). Moving on.

The Questionables​

Pascal Siakam

After a deep-dive, I almost put Pascal Siakam in the category above. The two have similar arguments despite being on 13-win teams, but Siakam is just a little easier to buy.

Brooklyn’s net rating is 11 points per 100 possessions better when MPJ is on the floor; that’s the eighth-highest mark in the NBA (min. 700 minutes). Pascal Siakam is one of the seven guys ahead of MPJ on that list, and crucially, he’s played nine more games (and 338 more minutes) than Brooklyn’s leading scorer. The Indiana Pacers are absolutely horrific — even worse than the Nets — without Siakam, but respectable with him.

If they had played the same amount of minutes, Siakam and MPJ would be neck-and-neck. Siakam is averaging a comparable 24/7/4, on similar usage, but with a 56.4 TS%. However, he has an edge on defense, and though I doubt the coaches went this far down the rabbit hole, Siakam has been considerably better in the clutch.

• Siakam: 8-14 record in clutch games, 52.1% true shooting.
• Porter Jr.: 4-15 record in clutch games, 45.2% true shooting.

The case for Porter Jr. rests on his production for a terrible team, hoping not to be punished for the lack of talent around him. Well, Siakam has been as good if not better, played more minutes, and if we’re really going to dive into their impact on winning, Siakam has been better in the clutch for a team that has a better clutch record.

Norman Powell

If Norman Powell and Michael Porter Jr. magically swapped places, the latter would have made the All-Star game. Is that right? Must the Miami Heat — 27-24, sitting atop the Play-In sect of the Eastern Conference — be rewarded with an All-Star?

Powell is having a great season, no doubt. He’s averaging about 24/4/3 on 61.2% true shooting as the unquestioned leader of a Heat offense that was hyped early in the season for their blinding pace and refusal to set ball-screens. Powell has been firing catch-and-shoot threes per usual, but he’s been getting his own too.

Here’s the thing. The Miami Heat have the NBA’s 17th-best offensive rating and the 6th-best defensive rating. Defense drives them. Yes, Powell has been not just great but vital to Miami’s offense, particularly with Tyler Herro playing just 11 games. However…

• Miami: 111.9 offensive rating without Powell, 117.4 with Powell (+5.5 swing).
• Brooklyn: 105.4 offensive rating without MPJ, 117.5 with MPJ (+12.1 swing).

The Heat have a tough time scoring (and a slightly easier time defending) without Powell, who leads them to decent offense. The Nets have an horrific offense without Porter Jr., who leads them to decent offense. Credit Jordi Fernández for his creativity if you want, but you can’t vote head coaches to the All-Star team.

Porter Jr. has scored more at a more efficient clip. He’s also created more offense for his teammates, whether you only look at assist numbers or also factor in how his gravity as a shooter opens up cuts for others. No doubt Norman Powell has had similar offensive impact for a much better team, but has he been better than MPJ (in 60 more total minutes)? Not quite.

Karl-Anthony Towns

If the All-Star game were about rewarding year-over-year improvements, Karl-Anthony Towns wouldn’t be making the trip to Los Angeles. He’s been substantially worse than last season, converting twos at a career-low rate and making threes at the lowest clip since his rookie season. Per Cleaning the Glass (which filters out garbage time), the Knicks have actually been slightly better with him on the bench. After a stellar inaugural campaign in NYC, this is a clear step back for KAT.

But he’s still a great player. He’s averaging 20-and-12, leading the league in rebounds per game. Because New York rebounds when he’s on the court, their defense survives; they don’t stop opponents on first chances. While he’s struggling to make shots, opponents still respect his 3-point shooting, a necessary ingredient to New York’s offense.

Has he been better than Michael Porter Jr., though? I don’t think so.

Now that he’s no longer operating with world-class efficiency, KAT has less margin for error on defense. Again, he’s not an outright negative on that end thanks to his rebounding, but because he does little else well at such a premium position, it’s tough to argue his defense has made him a better player than MPJ this season. Especially when…

• KAT: 23.33 points per 75 possessions on 59.4% true shooting (+1.4% relative to league-average), 1.15 assist-to-turnover, 25.8 usage%, +0.22 net swing.
• MPJ: 28.95 points per 75 possessions on 61.8% true shooting (+3.8% rTS), 1.30 assist-to-turnover, 30.6 usage%, +11.0 net swing.

Jalen Brunson is the head of the snake in New York. I don’t want to be so reductive as to say any #1 option is better than any #2 option (that’s First Take stuff) but in the case of Michael Porter Jr. vs. Karl-Anthony Towns, it’s clear the latter has been better on offense. Yes, KAT has played about 160 more minutes, but I don’t think minutes + defense are enough to close the gap.

And hey, Pascal Siakam is in the All-Star game. Team success only means so much this year. Advantage: MPJ.

What happened, what’s next?​

Erik Slater and I talked about MPJ’s All-Star snub on the latest episode of Locked On Nets…

I would love to avoid homer-ism and call it an “exclusion” and not a “snub” but it’s not my fault the head coaches made the wrong call. If Siakam is in, MPJ should be in. Not because he’s been better than Siakam (he hasn’t, in my opinion), but because it removes the barrier of team success from the equation.

Did something change in the last three weeks, or did the coaches just have far different opinions than players/fans/media? The Nets have suffered some embarrassing blowouts recently, but was that enough to swing opinion? Have Siakam, KAT, and Powell — all in their thirties — just built up that much more goodwill around the league? Or is the Nets’ reputation/brand simply at the bottom of the totem pole?

Whatever the case may be, Porter Jr. still has a chance to be named an All-Star by the commissioner. With Giannis Antetokounmpo set to miss the weekend’s festivities with injury, Adam Silver must select one Eastern Conference reserve to replace him (and, knock on wood, anybody else who gets hurt over the next week or two).

But MPJ may be a victim of timing. Joel Embiid has played just 28 games, but he’s going God Mode right now. LaMelo Ball also has a strong case for a surging Charlotte Hornets team, and like Embiid, has much more name recognition than MPJ.

Michael Porter Jr.’s next chance to get through to Adam Silver will come on Tuesday evening, when the Brooklyn Nets take on the Los Angeles Lakers at home. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. ET.

• Nets’ Michael Porter Jr. snubbed from his All-Star Game dream despite career year – Brian Lewis – New York Post
• Nets’ Michael Porter Jr. did not make the All-Star team. The numbers say he should have ($) – C.J. Holmes – New York Daily News

Source: https://www.netsdaily.com/nets-anal...oklyn-nets-michael-porter-jr-an-all-star-snub

 

[Brooklyn Nets]

RUMOR ROUND-UP: Lewis says Nets haven’t called Bucks about Giannis

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - NOVEMBER 29: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks shoots the ball against the Brooklyn Nets during the first quarter at Fiserv Forum on November 29, 2025 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Turns out, Michael Porter Jr. isn’t the only Brooklyn Nets big currently garnering interest around the league. Jake Fischer reports Monday that “sources say that Toronto, in addition to calls on mid-tier centers like Dallas’ Daniel Gafford, has also expressed interest in Brooklyn’s Day’Ron Sharpe.”

Day’Ron continues to be one of the best bigs off the bench this season, currently averaging 21.9 points and a ludicrous 17.7 rebounds per 100 possessions.

There was also news — actually no news — on the Giannis Antetokounmpo front. As Brian Lewis reported exclusively, the the Brooklyn Nets pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo never … actually … began.

That’s what Lewis tweeted exclusively Monday afternoon….

I’m told the #Bucks haven’t received a call from Brooklyn about Giannis Antetokounmpo. I know there’s reporting to the contrary, and I can’t say say what the #Nets will do in the future; but as of now league sources say they haven’t called the Bucks. #nba https://t.co/guR4ya9Ghn

— Brian Lewis (@NYPost_Lewis) February 2, 2026

Lewis added:

[A] highly placed league source familiar with the situation told The Post that — among the calls that the Bucks have fielded on the 31-year-old star — Brooklyn wasn’t among them as of Monday afternoon.

That of course runs counter to some early reporting that Brooklyn, which had long coveted the 6’11” Greek big man, would jump into the trade fray now that the Bucks are willing to listen to offers. As Lewis noted.

Giannis Antetokounmpo will be the most sought-after player at Thursday’s NBA trade deadline. But sources told The Post that — contrary to reports — the Nets haven’t called Milwaukee about the Greek superstar.

For years, Brooklyn general manager Sean Marks hoarded assets in case Antetokounmpo ever decided he wanted to leave Milwaukee and was made available.

The news follows word from Brian Windhorst that the Nets haven’t put Michael Porter Jr. on the market. MPJ, presumably would be a big piece in any Giannis trade Brooklyn would make. Not including him now would indicate that the 27-year-old is likely to be a part of Brooklyn’s long-term plan … or that they will wait til the summer to field offers.

Specifically, Jake Fischer reports that the Raps are pursuing size and although their top target is Donatas Sabonis, they have monitored Sharpe as well.

Toronto will continue to explore its options for an infusion of size. As we’ve reported many times, they have shown an interest in Sabonis for some time … while some in Anthony Davis’ camp still believe that the Raptors will pursue him. Sources say that Toronto, in addition to calls on mid-tier centers like Dallas’ Daniel Gafford, has also expressed interest in Brooklyn’s Day’Ron Sharpe.

The Raptors have all their first round picks through 2032 as well as all but one of their seconds..

The deadline of course is now three days away, Thursday at 3:00 p.m. ET.

• Nets haven’t joined in on the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes yet (S) – Brian Lewis – New York Post

Source: https://www.netsdaily.com/nets-rumo...-nets-havent-called-bucks-about-giannis-lewis

 

[Brooklyn Nets]

Brooklyn Nets blown to smithereens by Detroit Pistons, lose 130-77

DETROIT, MI - FEBRUARY 1: Tobias Harris #12 and Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons high five during the game against the Brooklyn Nets on February 1, 2026 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The Brooklyn Nets finally won a game without Michael Porter Jr. Friday, defeating the Utah Jazz on the second night of a hellacious back-to-back that saw them fly in from Denver the night before. Brooklyn had lost their first eight games when MPJ sat, as he typically does in one half of a back-to-back, and while the Jazz entered with just 15 wins to their name, a starting lineup with three rookies would have to get the job done.

They did, led by a 25-point homecoming performance from the former BYU Cougar Egor Dëmin. But on Sunday evening … whoosh. Dëmin, Nolan Traore, Danny Wolf, and the rest of the Nets faced a much taller task, again without MPJ. Not only was it the infamous final game of a long road trip, but they were facing the Detroit Pistons, sitting atop the Eastern Conference largely thanks to their relentlessly physical, athletic play.

Example: Egor Demin began being harassed by Ausar Thompson on one end while guarding Cade Cunningham on the other. The young Nets, however, held their own early. All ten Nets who played in the first half scored, led by Nic Claxton and Cam Thomas, even Ben Saraf dropped a highlight…

Ben Saraf getting fancy with the behind-the-back dish. pic.twitter.com/2DLe42XNEU

— Erik Slater (@erikslater_) February 1, 2026

Then the referees called the game, awarding both teams a draw, sending everybody home happy.

Just kidding. One hour later, the Nets were — stop me if you’ve heard this before — fighting to avoid their worst loss in franchise history. The Pistons went on a 37-6 run that bridged halftime; here’s a quick recap of that run…

A wild sequence to end the first half, as Cam Thomas turns it over and Ausar Thompson drains a half-court shot.

The Pistons lead the Nets by 23 points at the break. pic.twitter.com/LWWtAOJGZ2

— Erik Slater (@erikslater_) February 2, 2026

Detroit bullied the Nets, who looked utterly helpless after the switch flipped. Turnovers led to run-outs which led to dunks, the crowd getting louder and louder as the home team morphed into the Harlem Globetrotters with ease. The Pistons scored 37 points off turnovers, a ridiculous total that doesn’t include Detroit baiting Brooklyn into layup attempts just to boom them off the backboard.

It didn’t help that the Nets shot just 22.6% from three, not only deflated by the circumstances but undoubtedly worn out by the road trip. Even Dëmin’s record-breaking streak ended: After 34 consecutive games with a 3-pointer (the most ever for a rookie), he went 0-of-4 from the floor in this one, putting up 3/0/1.

As for the other rookies, Saraf also went 0-of-4 with four assists and no turnovers, Nolan Traore 2-of-7, Drake Powell 3-of-7, and Danny Wolf 2-of-9 and a team-worst -43 plus-minus. Unlike Dëmin’s return to the Beehive State, this was not a banner day for the 2025 draft class.

“You got to learn from games like this, because you play against a very good team that plays consistently hard,” said Jordi Fernández. “And we don’t do it in a consistent way.”

Detroit was led by 21 points from All-Star reserve Jalen Duren, but everybody contributed. They stole the ball 17 times. Daniss Jenkins put Wolf on a poster. Meanwhile, the Nets scored 38 points in the first 18 minutes, then 39 points in the final 30 minutes.

Said Fernández: “You know, we’ll run it back, we’ll hold them accountable, we’ll give him a hug, whatever the case may be, to go out there and play better than this.”

In the end, the visitors did not lose by 60 points. Hooray! Instead, Brooklyn lost by 53 points, the third-worst mark in franchise history. At least it wasn’t against the New York Knicks this time.

Final Score: Detroit Pistons 130, Brooklyn Nets 77

Milestone Watch​

• The Brooklyn Nets have now lost a game by 50+ points four times in the last three seasons. Only the Portland Trail Blazers, from 2021-2024, have ever matched that feat.
• Nets have now lost four games by 35 points or more this season, the two 50-point losses, plus a 37-point bummer vs. the Clippers a week ago and a 36-point disaster to the Knicks early in the season.
• On the other side of the ledger, the Pistons winning margin was the biggest in franchise history surpassing the 52-point margin set in a January 2002 win over Boston.

The Nets are now 13-35 which moves them up in the Tankathon rankings to the No. 4 spot, tied with the Wizards. They’re a half-game out of third, where the Pacers sit, a game out of second (Pelicans owed the Hawks) and 2.5 games behind the golden ticket now held by the Kings.

MPJ misses out on All-Star Game​

The NBA announced the All-Star reserves on Sunday afternoon, and absent from the list was Michael Porter Jr. We knew he wouldn’t be a starter, but given that he finished 10th, 9th, and 10th in fan, player, and media voting respectively, a reserve selection seemed possible for the Brooklyn Nets’ leading scorer. Alas, the coaches did not view Porter Jr. as one of the East’s dozen best players.

Porter Jr. still has an outside chance to become Brooklyn’s first All-Star representative since Kevin Durant; Adam Silver will need to choose at least one injury replacement (Giannis Antetokounmpo).

As it stands, is he a snub? NetsDaily will answer that question tomorrow.

Injury Update​

As previously mentioned, MPJ did not miss this one due to injury, but rather personal reasons. He had previously posted on social media about a death in the family.

Noah Clowney missed his fifth straight game with a low back sprain (no longer “lower back soreness”) while Ziaire Williams missed his third straight with a left calf contusion. Jordi Fernández did not provide a timeline for either player in pregame.

Next Up​

The Brooklyn Nets return home to face two of the NBA’s biggest stars. Tip-off against the Los Angeles Lakers is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. on Tuesday night.

• Boxscore: Detroit Pistons 130, Brooklyn Nets 77 – NBA
• Game Highlights: Detroit Pistons 130, Brooklyn Nets 77 (Video) – NBA
• Jordi Fernandez PostGame Interview (Video) – YES Network
• Nic Claxton PostGame Interview (Video) – YES Network
• Drake Powell PostGame Interview (Video) – YES Network
• Pistons rout Nets 130-77 in most-lopsided victory in franchise history – AP
• Nets embarrassed by Pistons in 53-point shellacking to end road trip – Brian Lewis – New York Post
• Turnovers bury Nets in 130-77 loss to Pistons ($) – C.J. Holmes – New York Daily News
• Nets’ Michael Porter Jr. did not make the All-Star team. The numbers say he should have ($) – C.J. Holmes – New York Daily News
• Nets player grades: Cam Thomas has 12 in 130-77 loss at Pistons – Sharif Phillips-Keaton – USA TODAY

Source: https://www.netsdaily.com/nets-scor...130-77-cade-cunningham-jalen-duren-egor-demin

 

[Brooklyn Nets]

Brooklyn Nets take latest beating from Los Angeles Lakers, lose 125-109

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 03: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball as he is defended by Michael Porter Jr. #17 of the Brooklyn Nets during the first quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on February 03, 2026 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images) | Getty Images

It’s trade deadline week. You know, that special time of year where the actual basketball games being played seem to fall into the backdrop of wider league news regarding player movement. Today’s involved Danny Ainge adding a new skyscraper to the Salt Lake skyline, Boston (finally) getting a center of their own, and the leaders of the Eastern Conference rewarding themselves for a banner first half with a slice of red velvet cake.

The Nets, this year, have been there all along. The team’s not drawing many eyes right now other than those of its die-hards. Its not exactly asking for them either. The last time out, Brooklyn lost by 50+ for the third time this season.

But no matter the trade news, ominous injury designations, or level of nationwide interest, teams are playing on. The Nets and the visiting Los Angeles Lakers did so this evening, or at least the latter did.

After missing two games due to personal reasons, their offensive savant in Michael Porter Jr. returned to the starting lineup. Noah Clowney joined him, who sat out the last five contests. It’s worth noting that even with the Nets at full strength, they stuck with Nolan Traoré as their starting point guard this evening. Terance Mann didn’t play at all. Dëmin and Claxton also started.

However, “full strength” for these Nets still leaves them two or three weight classes behind Los Angeles. You could tell based on how each team got their first points too. Brooklyn tallied its first few on an open triple that required almost their entire team to set up. Los Angeles then got theirs with a circus shot from a well-defended Luka. Point blank, the guys in gold had more talent, and they made sure you knew it tonight.

The highlight plays for Los Angeles didn’t stop there. Brooklyn’s four first period turnovers and a 1-10 shooting start from deep both set the stage for showtime on Broadway. Los Angeles had an easy time getting out in space off the giveaways and long rebounds. They led 26-11 just over six minutes into the game, making nine of their first 11 shots.

The Lakers were dishing and dunking the whole 1st half pic.twitter.com/PryEkBt9OX

— NBA on Prime (@NBAonPrime) February 4, 2026

Coming in for the starters a bit sooner than usual, Brooklyn’s bench mob, which included Day’Ron Sharpe, Ben Saraf, Ziaire Williams, and Cam Thomas alongside MPJ, didn’t fare too well. The Nets trailed by 22 after the first. The free flowing Lakers shot 15-18 from the field in the period. Yes, you read that right.

Sharpe cosplayed as the Bugatti under the mobile home during it, contributing with six points and four rebounds in the frame. He and Danny Wolf were the only ones not to post a double-digit +/- negative. On film, it looks like Doncic simply lost the rock here and Sharpe benefited with a scoop and score, but statistically, he gets credit for a steal and slam…

Day'Ron Sharpe with a quick four points since coming off the bench pic.twitter.com/GU4WySd4Dw

— Collin Helwig (@collinhelwig) February 4, 2026

The second quarter brought us more of the same. That sounds run-of-the-mill, but what happened on the floor was anything but. The Lakers began it on a 21-7 run, allowing Los Angeles to double up Brooklyn less than halfway through the period. That boiled into a 69-40 advantage for LA at the break. For the Nets, it became “chose your fighter” with regard to jaw-dropping, hideous first half stats. They shot just 2-20 from deep, lost 20-3 in fast break points, and trailed by as many as 38 points.

It quickly became clear that for a second straight outing, we wouldn’t have a basketball game on our hands. We’d have a battle against the ghosts of the Barclays Center to avoid a historic defeat.

Thankfully, Ziaire Williams and Sharpe brought proton packs out in the second half. The duo off the bench combined for 14 points on a perfect 6-6 shooting in the third period. After a first half where doing so seemed impossible, Sharpe was +8 in the quarter while Williams was +9. Day’Ron managed to finish the game as a +14. Other bigs Noah Clowney and Nic Claxton were -17 and -30. Sharpe also finished with a season-high 19 points along with 14 rebounds and five assists.

Between his and ZDub’s efforts, the Nets managed to tread water in the third, even winning the period 34-31.

Credit to Day'Ron Sharpe and Ziaire Williams. They're still battling here in the third. pic.twitter.com/jL8xRMT70I

— Collin Helwig (@collinhelwig) February 4, 2026

Still, staying afloat is only so impressive when your ship’s already been blown to smithereens. Neither the resurgent third quarter nor a modest fourth were enough to make this game again. While the Nets dolled up the score just before the final horn, they never threatened. Outside of Sharpe’s big night, silver linnings were difficult to come by. While Porter Jr. led the team with 21 points, he shot 0-9 from deep. The Flatbush Five combined to score just 28 points with 11 turnovers while shooting 11-32 from the field.

Fernández used the final frame to shuffle players in and out, using the space to experiment and develop. The Lakers ran HB dive over and over again, winding down the clock until it was safe to put Bronny James and old friend Drew Timme in the game. The arena erupted when the former checked in and finished off an alley-oop from Dalton Knecht.

That had to have been your queue to turn the game off if you by some mistake you hadn’t already.

Final: Los Angeles Lakers 125, Brooklyn Nets 109

Next Up​

Brooklyn gets back on the road Thursday night for a quick stop in Orland to face the Magic. The Nets are 0-2 vs them so far this year. The latter loss was a game for the ages that saw Egor Dëmin steal one at the last minute, only for Paolo Banchero to steal it back in the last second. This will be contest no. 50 for the Nets and it tips off at 7:00 p.m. EST.

Source: https://www.netsdaily.com/nets-scor...-vs-lakers-129-105-dayron-sharpe-lebron-james

 

[Brooklyn Nets]

RUMOR ROUND-UP: With James Harden moved, what’s next?

TEMPE, ARIZONA - JANUARY 31: James Harden #1 of the Los Angeles Clippers (L) and former Arizona State Sun Devils football player Jordyn Tyson attend the game between the Arizona State and the Arizona Wildcats at Desert Financial Arena on January 31, 2026 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The conventional wisdom was that this trade deadline would likely to be meh with the bigger moves expected around the NBA Draft come June. But the James Harden-for-Darius Garland deal, along with Tuesday’s flurry of deals big and small, seems to have changed things.

However, the original narrative still applies to the Brooklyn Nets who not only made no moves on Tuesday, but weren’t even mentioned in any rumors, unless you count the recurring reports of league interest in Day’Ron Sharpe, which now reportedly extends to the Lakers who saw him go for 19 and 14 Tuesday night or the Nets willingness to facilitate bigger deals for other clubs..

They don’t seem to be that interested, at least for now, in Giannis Antetokounmpo which as Brian Lewis noted used to be their “white whale.” Nor do they seem willing to move Michael Porter Jr., who has publicly expressed a desire to stay in Brooklyn, interested in the franchise’s “trajectory” back to contention.

The Harden deal will send him to his fourth team in the past five years after the Houston Rockets, Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers, the Los Angeles Clippers and now the Cleveland Cavaliers. Before that, he left the OKC Thunder, in case you forgot. None of his departures seemed too happy. (If you add up all the teams the Big Three have played for over their careers, the number is now 14, five each for Harden and Kevin Durant, and four for Kyrie Irving. So much for loyalty.)

BREAKING: The Los Angeles Clippers are trading James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Darius Garland and a second-round pick, sources tell ESPN. Prolific swap of the star point guards. pic.twitter.com/IHhhhabJnX

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 4, 2026

The Harden news and Tuesday’s other trades had some implications for the Nets.

• Harden should give new life to the Cavaliers chances of making a deep run in the playoffs (although his talent is his talent, his record is his record as well and he’s been criticized for not leading any of his teams to the promised land.) Another failure this spring could have a deleterious effect on the Cavs. With Donovan Mitchell staring at an off-season extension next year, he may want to move on and we know that at the very least, the Nets were interested in the now 29-year-old. “The key here is that the Cavs are moving away from believing in the Core 4,” Brian Windhorst told ESPN Cleveland. “And I think the genesis of this is because they’re worried that Donovan is not going to re-sign this summer.”
• Yesterday’s other two moves, the Memphis Grizzlies and Boston Celtics blockbusters could have an effect on the Nets desire to have a facilitator role. Both of those deals created big exceptions, $28.8 million for the Grizz — the biggest in NBA history — and $27.7 million for the Celtics. Those two and another one of $18 million created by the Bulls in the three-team deal involving them, the Minnesota Timberwolves and Detroit Pistons are all larger than the $15.3 million salary cap space the Nets retain. Cap space is better than TPEs, but the differences are not so big in the short term. The three exceptions will be available once the trades are official, which no doubt will be prior to Thursday’s 3:00 p.m. ET deadline.

Specifics on the latest Sharpe rumor came post-game in Brooklyn with Dan Woike of The Athletic extolling on how much the Lakers like the 6’10” 24-year-old who is currently the NBA’s all-time leader in offensive rebound percentage (18.3%).

Sources inside the Lakers locker room are fans of Brooklyn center Day’Ron Sharpe, who had 19 points and 14 rebounds in the Nets’ loss to the Lakers on Tuesday night. The Giannis trade chase could create ripples beneficial to the Lakers. As teams maneuver for financial flexibility, the Lakers’ expiring deals and future first-round pick could get them in conversations for high-end role players…

Meanwhile, MPJ is counting the hours to the deadline. Despite the horrors of the last several weeks, he seems happy in his role with the Brooklyns, as Brian Lewis reported.

“Yeah, I’ve stated that I’m enjoying my time here, and I do see that the light at the end of the tunnel, and I do see the path that we’re trying to take,” said Porter, who returned from a personal leave for Tuesday’s 125-109 home blowout loss against the Lakers. “That’s something that’s out of my control. And wherever the wind blows, whatever the guys who run the organization want, then I’m down for.

“I know that every situation has its blessings and things to take away from,” said Porter, who scored 21 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in the loss. “So I’ve stated that I enjoy my time here. And two more days, if I make it through two or three more days, I’ll be here. So, we’ll see. We’ll see what happens.”

As for the others rumored to be of interest to NBA clubs — or not — nothing much new. Yes, teams do still appear to be interest in Nic Claxton, not so much in Cam Thomas.

The deadline could have other roster implications. Haywood Highsmith, if healthy, likely would have yielded a second rounder, but he’s not. As an expiring — $5.6 million contract — but injured, he’s likely to be done with the Nets no matter what. That could open a standard deal for one of the Nets two-ways, likely E.J. Liddell, who’s spent some time of late with the big club, or Tyson Etienne, Long Island’s new all-time leading scorer. In turn, that could open a two-way spot for Grant Nelson, the 7-foot rookie who has been playing well despite minutes restrictions — per 36 numbers in excess of 20 and 10 in eight starts.

Stay tuned.

Source: https://www.netsdaily.com/nets-rumors/105602/rumor-round-up-with-james-harden-moved-whats-next

 

[Brooklyn Nets]

On Cam Johnson’s podcast, MPJ goes long on state of the Brooklyn Nets

Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images

Though we are in the thicket of NBA trade season — with the Brooklyn Nets already dipping their toe in the water — Michael Porter Jr. just hopped on a podcast. And it went well. Exhale.

While back in Denver, MPJ hopped on an episode of The Old Man and the Three, which was released on Tuesday MPJ. The current host of the one-time JJ Redick venture? None other than the man Porter Jr. was traded for last summer, Cam Johnson. The two talked about the trade, of course, as well as their shared experiences in Brooklyn and Denver.

Porter Jr. has spent half of his brief Nets tenure deeply involved in trade rumors, and even if he survives Thursday’s trade deadline, he will again be involved in rumors this offseason (like Johnson before him). And yet, MPJ spends most of the episode praising the franchise’s direction and coaching staff. Talking to Johnson and co-host Tommy Alter, he reveals he arrived in Brooklyn with “more excitement than sadness,” but one aspect of the transition made him a little nervous.

“I knew at the end of the day, I could still play bad and we could still win a game,” said MPJ of his time in Denver. “And so I was a little anxious, but I was up for the challenge over there, and I think it took some adjusting to figure it out. It took a different approach to, you know, how I approach the weight room and how I approach conditioning. I’m still kind of figuring it all out a little bit because it’s a different amount of usage … but it’s a challenge that I was ready to explore.”

MPJ's shotmaking remains ridiculous and hilarious. pic.twitter.com/PortO9oK77

— Erik Slater (@erikslater_) January 4, 2026

So far, Porter Jr. has been up to the task, becoming one of the NBA’s most efficient 25-a-night scorers as an undisputed #1 option. Despite a summer of making misogynistic comments on disreputable podcasts, MPJ has since endeared himself to Nets fans, thanks to both his sharp-shooting and the other side of that unfiltered honesty. When Porter Jr. talks hoops, he is always insightful, whether he’s explaining how to come off a pindown or what it’s like being on a rebuilding team.

“I have a certain level of like, peace and stillness because of the fact that I had seven years of winning basketball and I did get a championship. If I didn’t have that, I might be a little antsy with my agent, like, ‘Man, are they trying to win? Like, I need to go try to win, I want to be deep in playoffs.’ But because I had that for seven years, I’m a little bit more patient with the process over here.”

This whole segment (starting at around 14:20) is most worth listening to, but MPJ also adds: “I’m really back in that leadership role of, this almost feels like like high school. Like, these guys are fresh from college, 19 and 20 year olds, and we’re trying to compete against grown men every night. And we have a few vets over there, but for the most part, man, we’re trying to build the young guys. It’s fun, it’s fun, so I appreciate it. It’s definitely a challenge.”

Though Porter Jr. doesn’t go in-depth on the recent string of embarrassing, blowout losses the Nets have been suffering, he doesn’t sugarcoat the losing either. With another assist from Cam Johnson, he again goes above and beyond the typical non-answer of yeah, losing is tough but I trust the process and gives us hope that the player-podcast-era isn’t a total waste of time.

“Sometimes I need a check by the coaches, or even some of the front office that’s like, keeping my morale up. And then me, as an extension, I’m really trying to keep those guys heads up because it is a different journey that this team is on. And I think we’re on the right path to being a good team … In our locker room, we are pissed when we lose. But the next day, we have to figure out a way to to get our morale right back up, stay positive, realize that it’s about developing, getting better, going to practice with a good attitude.”

There’s much more in this segment, but it’s hard not to feel like Porter Jr. isn’t invested in Brooklyn’s long-term success. Of course, if the Nets do intend on making MPJ a part of their future, they’ll likely have to reach an extension this summer to keep the marriage happy.

Elsewhere, Johnson and MPJ praise Jordi Fernández as a “let it fly” type of coach.

Says Johnson: “For somebody like yourself who has the ability to be a tough shot-maker, he empowers you to use that ability to its full extent, 100 percent.”

“I give Jordi all the credit in the world,” adds MPJ. “I think in the NBA, you know, I’ve always been a guy that has confidence in myself, but with the way he coaches and the confidence he instills, he’s gonna help even those young guys develop at a way faster rate because of the freedom. Like you said, taking the pressure off of the shots you shoot. Like, Egor (Dëmin) was not touted as an amazing shooter, but he’s shooting 40% hitting really tough shots.”

The final half of the podcast is less Nets-centric, but CJ and MPJ don’t spend this one BS’ing or repeating what was your welcome to the NBA moment? clichés. We may be entering the final day of Porter Jr.’s stay in Brooklyn, but if it is, he says goodbye with one of the more insightful media appearances you’ll get from a Net. The full episode is linked below…

The NBA trade deadline is Thursday at 3:00 p.m. ET. The Brooklyn Nets have a game that evening as they visit the Orlando Magic, with tip-off set for 7:00 p.m. ET.

Source: https://www.netsdaily.com/nets-news...t-mpj-goes-long-on-state-of-the-brooklyn-nets

 

[Brooklyn Nets]

Deadlines and Commitments – the BIG deadline arrives

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 04: A view of the center court logo is seen prior to the game between the Denver Nuggets and the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on January 04, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Evan Bernstein/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Today is not going to be as big as May 10, the date of the NBA Draft Lottery. Nor the draft whose date has yet to be set but somewhere in the last week of July at Barclays Center. Those two days have the potential to be franchise-changing and the days leading up to today have been, at least for the Nets, predictable with only one trade reported as of 10:30 a.m. ET: the Nets fifth salary dump since last summer.

The Nets acquired 6’6” 25-year-old shooting guard Ochai Agbaji; a 2032 second rounder (their fifth pick in that faraway draft) and $3.5 million in cash, likely bound for basketball operations in return for … the draft rights to a 29-year-old Serbian shooting guard, Vanja Marinkovic, essentially draft ballast to help Toronto get its financial books in order. To make Marinkovic even more obscure, he tore his achilles 10 days ago.

Meanwhile, Brian Windhorst, aware of the flexibility Sean Marks & co. have built up, predicted a busyness in the business of Brooklyn basketball. “Brooklyn, I expect to be in multiple deals in the next 24 hours.”

So, here.we.go!

—February 5: NBA Trade Deadline (3:00 pm ET) Nets currently have around $15.5 million in cap space, most in the NBA. Trades must all be completed and made official by the afternoon deadline. The Nets must also attend to other issues, like getting down to 15 standard NBA contracts as well. Agbaji, at the moment, would be the 16th standard NBA contract on the roster so someone must go. Cam Thomas didn’t accompany Brooklyn to Orlando Thursday afternoon and rumors continue to swirl about this fate. There are of course other candidates and maybe more permutations as the day wears on.

Meanwhile, In Long Island players are waiting for the trickle-down effect to determine their fate. The deadline is often a team for teams to rethink whether a two-way should be elevated to a standard deal or a G League regular contract be converted to a two-way

—February 8: Les Nets, aka the Long Island Nets, are back in Quebec vs. Noblesville Boom, the Pacers affiliate. It’s the third of four games that the Nets G League affiliate are playing this season in Laval, a Montreal suburb as the team hopes to establish a fanbase in French-speaking Canada 375 miles up up the Thruway and Northway.

—February 10: Les Nets play Noblesville Boom in Quebec. The final game this season in the Great White North (as opposed to the Great White Whatever in New York.) Between the two games, the Nets will be activating a number of community activities.

—February 13-15: 2026 NBA All-Star Break in Los Angeles.

—February 13: Egor Demin will likely Brooklyn’s lone representative at the Intuit Center, the Clippers home. He’ll play in the Rising Stars game

—February 14: NBA All-Star Saturday at Intuit Dome – 5:00 p.m. ET (NBC & Peacock)

—February 15: 75th NBA All-Star Game at Intuit Dome – 5:00 p.m. ET (NBC & Peacock)

—March 1: Playoff eligibility waiver deadline aka the buyout deadline. Players waived before March 1 can sign with a new team and participate in the NBA playoffs. Players waived after March 1 can still sign with teams, but they will be ineligible for postseason play.

—March 1: Jalen Wilson becomes eligible for a multi-year deal.

—March 4: Last day to sign two-way contracts. Nets currently have no openings with all three two-way deals filled, but two-ways are not guaranteed.

—March 28: G League Regular Season ends

—March 31: G League Playoffs begin

—April 12: NBA regular season ends (All 30 teams play)

—April 13: Rosters set for NBA Playoffs 2026 (3:00 p.m. ET)

—April 13: WNBA Draft. Liberty have only one pick at No. 41 in the third round, having previously traded away their first and second round picks. Draft is also big for trades.

—April 14-17: SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament

—April 18: NBA Playoffs begin

—April 19: WNBA training camps open. Chris DeMarco, the Liberty’s new coach, gets started.

—April 25: New York Liberty first preseason game at Barclays Center vs. the Indiana Pacers and Caitlin Clark. Game time: 3:00 p.m. ET. It’ll be Clark’s first action since an injured groin ended her season on January 25.

—May 3: New York Liberty’s second preseason game, this one vs. the Connecticut Sun in Uncasville. Another afternoon start at 3:00 p.m. ET.

—May 8-10: NBA G League Combine in Chicago

—May 8: WNBA Regular Season Tip-Off. New York Liberty hosts the Connecticut Sun at Barclays Center. All WNBA dates of course assume that the league and players union have a deal on a new CBA by this date.

—May 10: NBA Draft Lottery. Biggest day in franchise history since … the Clean Sweep back in 2019, KD’s departure in 2023? Nets currently are tied for the fourth best chance at the overall No. 1 at 11.5% and a 45.2% shot at a top four pick.

—May 10-17: NBA Draft Combine in Chicago

—June 1-17: WNBA Commissioner’s Cup tournament

—June 30: WNBA Commissioner’s Cup Championship

—July 1: Teams can approach free agents at 12:00 p.m. ET. Rumors of deals start to get reported at 12:01 p.m. Nets are currently projected to have $48.8 million in cap space entering free agency.

—July 6: Free agent contracts can be signed, starting at 12o p.m. ET.

—July: Michael Porter Jr. eligible for a four-year $243 million extension starting in 2027-28.

—July 24-25: WNBA All-Star Weekend (Chicago)

—August 31 – September 16: FIBA World Cup break for WNBA players, coaches.

—September 24: Last day of WNBA regular season

—September 27: WNBA Playoffs begin

Source: https://www.netsdaily.com/nets-feat...ines-and-commitments-the-big-deadline-arrives

 

[Brooklyn Nets]

RUMOR ROUND-UP: Nets waive Highsmith to make room for Agbaji

TORONTO, CANADA - OCTOBER 17: Ochai Agbaji #30 of the Toronto Raptors warms up ahead of their NBA game against the Brooklyn Nets at Scotiabank Arena on October 17, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images) | Getty Images

We know that’s not very edifying on trade deadline day, but as of Thursday morning with four hours or so to go, it’s where we’re at. The front office has finalized the trade they worked out with the the Toronto Raptors and Los Angeles Clippers and created the roster space needed for Ochai Agbaji by waiving Haywood Highsmith who the Nets acquired in the summer from Miami but never played for the Brooklyn.

Teams are allowed 15 standard deals (and three two-ways) and with the Agbaji deal, they were looking at 16 standard spots. So someone had to go. The most rumored candidate was Cam Thomas who the Nets left behind in New York, citing personal reasons, when they flew to Orlando for Friday’s game with the Magic. But the 24-year-old remains on the Nets roster.

Before the move, pundits were suggesting that there were various ways for the Nets to move forward on the particulars. Although the initial issue is now solved, what Kevin Pelton and Erik Slater wrote Thursday morning could still have relevance later in the day if the Nets need to make other moves.

As ESPN’s Kevin Pelton notes in his trade grades Thursday morning, the Nets could expand the multi-team deal and work out something a little more complicated using their room MLE. (Pelton gave the Nets a B.)

This is the start of Brooklyn using its position as the only NBA team with appreciable cap space to take on contracts for draft picks. Getting Agbaji leaves the Nets about $9 million below the cap, now less than teams can add using the taxpayer midlevel exception, though they could take on a bigger contract by sending back a smaller one (such as Agbaji’s) or exhaust their space and then use their room midlevel exception to add more salary.

Similarly, Erik Slater wrote this about the possibilities in his trade grade. (Slater gave the Nets an A-)

The Nets can take Agbaji into their $15.3 million in cap space. They could also use their cap space in other salary-dump moves, then absorb the Raptors guard into the $8.8 million room mid-level exception.

The Nets of course have been trying to move Thomas, with his cooperation, since the summer, and could still. But his trade value still seems low. Mike Scotto reported Wednesday that the Cleveland Cavaliers and Milwaukee Bucks had some interest but Aryan Bhullar reported Thursday the Cavs have lost that interest…

League sources say Cleveland had registered interest in Brooklyn guard Cam Thomas prior to Lonzo Ball being routed to Utah, with Milwaukee continuing to be viewed as the strongest suitor for Thomas.

— Aryan (@Ary_Report) February 5, 2026

Though, Cavaliers have no interest at this time, sources said.

— Aryan (@Ary_Report) February 5, 2026

No less of a source than Brian Windhorst has predicted the Nets will be active today. How long will we have to wait? Not long, obviously, 3:00 p.m. ET, no further.

Source: https://www.netsdaily.com/nets-rumors/105660/rumor-round-up-something-bound-to-happen

 

[Brooklyn Nets]

Brooklyn Nets thrown aside by the Orlando Magic, as Flatbush5 debuts

ORLANDO, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 05: Nolan Traore #88 of the Brooklyn Nets throws a pass against Wendell Carter Jr. #34 of the Orlando Magic during the first quarter at Kia Center on February 05, 2026 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Brooklyn Nets had their first game on the other side tonight. The other side of the trade deadline. The other side of weeks spent wondering whether Michael Porter Jr. would still be here. The other side of the Cam Thomas “era,” if you can even call it that.

But while the moves made today brought a collective sense of renewal to Brooklyn and the league at large, the Nets gave us more of the same tonight.

In fairness, Brooklyn did make some incremental improvements early on here in game no. 50. The Nets only trailed their opponent, the Orlando Magic, 27-19 after the first period. They ran with the same five they opened with against the Lakers on Tuesday night, which got beat down through the hardwood and into the Atlantic Yards ruins in the first quarter.

While Egor Dëmin led all Nets after one with eight points, the eye test argues Nolan Traoré played the largest part in helping us get a different solution this time even with a similar formula.

Most conversations about the French ball-handler start with his quickness, but tonight, he channeled it more decisively. Much like Dennis Schröder used to do in Brooklyn, he did well leveraging his speed around the Orlando defense, slamming and softening on the gas pedal at all the right times.

Nolan Traoré with a nice slow-then-go take to burst past Anthony Black pic.twitter.com/aSZecBLxku

— Collin Helwig (@collinhelwig) February 6, 2026

The Magic shooting 3-of-12 from deep in the first also helped. They sure as hell had the looks, though they’re not known for having laser-like accuracy as the league’s fourth-worst 3-point shooting team. Still, Desmond Bane, who’s shot 49.3% against the Nets in his career, began 0-of-4 from downtown.

It’s not like the Nets were any better way out there in logo land. Even with the aforementioned contributions from Traoré and Dëmin, Brooklyn’s offense began 7-of-22 from the field and 3-of-15 from outside. When the Lakers shut down the Brooklyn offense for the length of a commercial break two nights ago, multiple Nets attributed their lack of production to LA’s zone. However, Orlando played man and stayed in the drop for much of first half, and the Nets didn’t fare any better. They missed the basket — and each other — over and over again.

Ziaire Williams gets visibly frustrated with Danny Wolf after not getting a pass on a fastbreak. He slaps the stanchion and picks up a technical, with the ref seemingly thinking it was directed at him.

Williams and Wolf exhange words after. pic.twitter.com/ivigqDvGBq

— Erik Slater (@erikslater_) February 6, 2026

Then, things got magical for Orlando as the first two periods crossed over, as they enjoyed a 22-6 run. With 6:52 to go in the frame, they found themselves up by a 44-25 score. At that point, Michael Porter Jr. had only three points to his name while shooting 1-8 from the field. He finished with just nine points tonight while shooting 2-13 from the field.

“I think that we were not connected at all throughout the whole game,” Fernández said. “I know our guys are willing to do the right things. And, you know, just find that connection at some point. When you’re always half a second late or not talking when you’re supposed to, all those things are, it’s really hard to win a game.”

The Nets did put together a 9-2 run in the second period’s final two minutes, but that only made the first half deficit slightly less embarrassing — more along the lines of how it feels to get blown by on defense rather than putting up an air ball at the charity stripe. Neither are good, and both things had already happened to Brooklyn by halftime. The Nets went into it down 56-40.

Orlando later scoffed at Brooklyn’s subtle attempt to claw back into it, pushing their lead up to a then game-high 21 points less than four minutes into the third. The Magic kept it there until the start of the fourth as well. They also bullied Brooklyn inside like Flash Thompson on a rainy day, outscoring the Nets there 18-6 during the third period.

Dëmin did his best to fight back, putting down three “Egor bombs” in the period to give himself 21 points going into the fourth. Although they weren’t enough to make this a competitive watch, they gave us a chance to see Dëmin chase down the career-high scoring mark he posted less than a week ago in Utah.

He eventually got there, and had company.

Finishing with 26 points to beat his old mark by one digit, Dëmin shot 8-of-12 from the field and 6-of-10 from deep. Traoré also tied his career-best in scoring with 18, going 7-13 from the field and 3-5 from deep. He did the same in the passing department, dishing seven assists. The 19-year-olds helped each other get to the top of their statistical mountains on a few occasions as well…

Deep one for Nolan. pic.twitter.com/PX5IbgcwTP

— Collin Helwig (@collinhelwig) February 6, 2026

“We all know he’s a threat from the three point line,” Fernández said of Dëmin. “Every time he shoots, I think it’s going in. He was 6-for-10, but I felt like he could have been 10-for-10. So, very good, right there. We needed that from him.”

But even before those two reached their milestones, the fourth proved to be a period dedicated to the rookies in a way we’ve yet to see this season. Brooklyn played its final six minutes with all of its rookies — the Flatbush 5 — on the floor, doing so for the first time this year in Game 50. They played the bulk of those minutes against Orlando’s deep bench guys, but it’s still worth mentioning that they won them by a 19-13 margin.

“Every minute matters, and they won their minutes together,” Fernández said. “So, their last seven minutes, they won those minutes, and I’m proud of them for doing that, and that’s what I expect from them every time they play.”

The Nets, of course, still lost the game.

Brooklyn ended up going down without applying any real pressure for a third straight contest. The ended up losing by 24 in the paint. They also turned it over 19 times leading to 24 Orlando points. They lost by 15 or more for the third time this season.

Sure, night like this are never fun, but growth rarely comes without aches. The Nets might as well pay that price now while it’s worth it.

Final: Orlando Magic 118, Brooklyn Nets 98

Milestone Watch​

• Nolan Traore became the 12th rookie in Nets history with 20+ points and 7+ assists in a game and the first since MarShon Brooks on 3/10/12. He’s also recorded multiple assists in 10+ games.
• Egor Dëmin joined Kerry Kittles (30 points, 6-8 3PT) on 2/17/97 as the only rookies in Nets history with 26+ points and 6+ 3PM in a game.
• This was Dëmin’s third time making 6+ 3-pointers in a game this season, tied as the eighth-most by a rookie in NBA history.
• Dëmin’s 21 points through three quarters tonight are the most he’s had in a game in his career through that stage of the game.
• Nic Claxton’s first assist of the game tonight against Orlando was his 188th of the season, which passes Brook Lopez (187 in 2009-10) for the most assists by a center in a single season in Nets franchise history. Claxton has the fourth-most assists by a center in the NBA this season.

Final Words on Thomas & Martin​

Jordi Fernández spoke on Cam Thomas’ exit with the YES Network’s Meghan Triplett before tonight’s game. The coach acknowledged how both sides can benefit from a fresh start and had some nice words for CT given the circumstances as well

“I think right now, at this point, it’s a new opportunity for everybody, and I think that is extremely valuable,” Fernández said. “Obviously, appreciate his time with us. I’m a better coach than I was before. It’s been fun to coach somebody that can score the level that he can score, and now he has the opportunity to choose where he wants to go and make the impact that he wants to make. So, happy for him, and just we all want to wish him luck.”

“CT is, obviously, you know, everybody knows that he’s a very quiet guy, but if you really know him well, he’s a great guy,” Dëmin said. “He’s a great dude. And you know, I think you can ask anybody in our team, everybody loves him.”

Since Thomas’ previous contract was below the the non-tax payer mid-level exception, he can sign with any team, even if their in the first or second apron.

In clearing room for other moves, the Nets also requested waivers on Tyrese Martin late Thursday night.

“It was amazing,” Dëmin said. “I have a lot to say about Tyrese, for sure, because he was the very first one who kind of took me under his wing. And I didn’t reach out to him yet, because I was trying to focus on the game, but I’m definitely going to call, definitely going to call him or shoot him a text. But he’s been one of the first ones who went there for me, to support me, to help me. He was putting me in front of him anytime he can, trying to promote me to everybody, and just really trying to help me to succeed…I wish these guys nothing but the best in the future, and I hope to stay in contact with them.”

Newcomers on the way​

With Cam Thomas, Haywood Highsmith and Tyrese Martin all waived Thursday, the Nets had three openings, but none of their replacements, shooting guard Ochai Agbaji and small forwards Hunter Tyson and Josh Minott, were eligible to play vs. the Magic. The Nets did confirm that Agbaji will wear No. 30.

Next Up​

After a three-game run of good competition, the Nets will find themselves back in a tank-off this Saturday while hosting the Washington Wizards, who are tied with them for fourth in the Tankathon rankings at 13-37.

The Wiz Kids took their largest competitive swing in almost a half-decade this week by trading for Anthony Davis — just a week removed from trading for Trae Young. The problem? Both are injured and not expected to suit up anytime soon. Also, Washington loses its pick this summer if they let it stray beyond the top eight. They’re incentivized and set-up to lose on Saturday. Who’s excited? The game tips off at 3:00 p.m. ET.

• Boxscore: Orlando Magic 118, Brooklyn Nets 98 – NBA
• Game Highlights: Orlando Magic 118, Brooklyn Nets 98 (Video) – NBA
• Jordi Fernandez PostGame Interview (Video) – YES Network
• Egor Demin PostGame Interview (Video) – YES Network
• Jalen Suggs’ first career triple-double leads Magic to 118-98 win over Nets – AP
• Nets suffer ugly loss to Magic after as trade deadline passes without big move – Brian Lewis – New York Post
• Nets waiving Cam Thomas in long-awaited divorce – Brian Lewis – New York Post
• Nets know historically ugly stretch has been a team-wide problem: ‘It’s on everybody’ – Brian Lewis – New York Post
• Rookies flash, but Nets stumble again in Orlando after busy deadline day ($) – C.J. Holmes – New York Daily News
• Nets close Cam Thomas chapter with waiver: report ($) – C.J. Holmes – New York Daily News
• Nets add Hunter Tyson, Josh Minott as deadline maneuvering continues: report ($) – C.J. Holmes – New York Daily News
• Healthy and available, Haywood Highsmith draws interest from contenders after Nets waive him ($) – C.J. Holmes – New York Daily News
• Nets waive Cam Thomas right after NBA trade deadline – Erik Slater – Clutch Points

Source: https://www.netsdaily.com/nets-scores-results/105671/nets-vs-magic-118-98-egor-demin-nolan-traore

 

[Brooklyn Nets]

Long Island Nets wait as roster spot opens in Brooklyn

INGLEWOOD, CA - JANUARY 25: E.J. Liddell #9 of the Brooklyn Nets shoots a three point basket during the game against the Los Angeles Clippers on January 25, 2026 at Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

While their Brooklyn colleagues were sweating the trade deadline in Orlando, the Long Island Nets were in suburban Chicago facing off against the Windy City Bulls and probably doing some brow wiping themselves. The NBA deadline often means change in the G League as well.

And after the trade deadline finally passed and Long Island came away with a big 143-123 win, the anxiety increased. Overnight Thursday, Brooklyn waived Hunter Tyson, the 6’8” sniper, they picked up in an exchange of second rounders, opening up a roster spot for the big club.

By Friday morning, there was no word on who might get it, or whether the player will come from Long Island, but there likely will be moves plural. If for example one of the three Long Island two-ways gets converted to a standard deal, that will open one of the two-ways. There is a bit of a deadline: Long Island plays Windy City again at 8:00 p.m. ET Friday.

One thing is certain, everyone who might be considered a candidate for a promotion played well in the matinee at Nova Arena in Hoffman Estates. Ultimately, Long Islanders finished off the young Bulls, 143-123. Three of the Long Island starters – EJ Liddell, Grant Nelson, & Nate Williams – combined for 72 points as Long Island came away with the decisive win.

One of the Brooklyn two-way players, Liddell, led Long Island in scoring. The 6’7” 25-year-old had yet another very strong game on the trade deadline day for the NBA. This is important because Liddell has been a candidate for a standard deal of late, having spent time at Barclays Center . Indeed, he Grant Nelson and Nate Williams all scored more than 20 points in the contest, showing exactly why he is a prime candidate in this one to be given some real opportunities on the NBA floor.

Liddell connected on eight of his 12 shot attempts, including going 3-of-6 from deep, along with 6-0f-6 from the foul stripe. Liddell’s 30 points marked a season-high for him, truly saving his best for the craziest day of the year for him. For the season, he averaging 18.5 points on 53/41/89 shooting splits to go along with 8.3 rebounds,

Liddell had six rebounds and three assists to his credit Thursday. However, where Liddell again shone was in blocking aspect of his game. After having a goose egg there last game, Liddell came out of Thursday’s game with two huge blocks, the eighth time he’s had at least two blocks in a game, roughly his season average.

Now, what makes Brooklyn’s life even harder is if they open a two-way spot by elevating Liddell, who gets his spot? Grant Nelson, the 7’0” 23-year-old center, and Nate Williams, the 6’6” shooting guard who turns 27 next week, and are both prime candidates, and they both had strong games on Thursday.

Grant Nelson had hands down one of the strongest games since he turned professional. He finished with 21 points. What makes this performance even crazier is when you realize that he shot the ball 100% on the game. He connected on all eight of his shots, including his lone 3-point attempt from deep.

The Devils Lake, N.D. native also had seven rebounds and three assists. He was also clearly on a minutes restriction during all of this, as he has been in the 10 games since he returned from a seven-week layoff to rehab a knee issue. He played for just 19 minutes, which was far less than any other starter played. Still, except for Liddell, he put up more points than the other starters.

In his nine starts since returning, Nelson, who went undrafted in June out of Alabama, is averaging 27.1 points and 12.7 rebounds per 36 minutes. He’s never played more than 21 minutes in any of the starts

Williams connected on nine of his 14 shots, including going 3-of-6 from deep to match Nelson’s 21 points and tie him for second on the team. Williams also had three rebounds and two assists. Williams big advantage is that he has the most NBA games of any member of the Long Island roster, 47 — five with Portland and 42 with the Rockets. Do you take a chance on Nelson who’s only 23, or do you choose a guy who has much more NBA experience in Williams?

Tyson Etienne, who’s been with Long Island and Brooklyn since last season, didn’t have a particularly strong game, but became the Long Island Nets leading scorer last week and is averaging 17.7 points a game on 41/39/85 shooting splits along with 4.2 assists. He is a 3-point specialist. Indeed, of his 294 shots this season, 225 have come from deep!

In this one, he had five points on a very quiet shooting day, taking only six shots, making two and was only onl. Etienne connected on two-of-six from the field, including only one-of-three from deep. Still, Etienne found yet another way to etch his name into the history books on Long Island. He passed Kaiser Gates for most 3-pointers made all-time in franchise history, with 228.

Another development success for Long Island and maybe a dark horse for a promotion, also had a big game. Malachi Smith, a 6’4 point guard who played with Liddell in high school, had the strongest game. Smith, 26 once again got the start in this one and once again showed exactly why. Smith came within a rebound of a triple double with 17 points, nine assists and 15 assists. He connected on six of his 15 shots, including going 3-of-6 from deep .

As if that wasn’t enough, Smith also had three steals and one block to cap off his downright insane day.

The final starter in this one, Brooklyn two-way player, Tyson Etienne,

Long Island’s Chaney Johnson, the team’s youngest player at 23 and the third two-way, once again showed some glimpses of excellence off the bench, connecting on four-of-six from the field for 11 points. Johnson was tied with Liddell in blocks with two.

Next Up​

The Long Island Nets (11-7) return to the court on Friday, February 6th, for a rematch with the Windy City Bulls. Long Island looks to continue its hot play as of late, winning three of its last five matchups. The game tips off at 8:00 p.m. EST and can be watched on the NBA G League and Long Island Nets respective websites.

• Boxscore: Long Island Nets 143, Windy City Bulls 123 – G League
• Game Highlights: Long Island Nets 143, Windy City Bulls 123 (Video) – G League

Source: https://www.netsdaily.com/longislan...nd-nets-wait-as-roster-spot-opens-in-brooklyn

 

[Brooklyn Nets]

Nets waive Cam Thomas, go development route in small trades

The consensus among pundits has been the same for more than a week. The Brooklyn Nets had a plan for the NBA trade deadline and it went something like this:

• Keep Michael Porter Jr., Nic Claxton and Day’Ron Sharpe. Instead of trading them for more picks, including one in the 2026 mega-draft, they wanted them to be part of the move from rebuild to contender.
• Don’t get distracted from your overall strategy by pursuing high profile but tarnished players like Giannis Antetokounmpo or Ja Morant. Stick with the plan for sustainable success.
• Use their cap space, most in the league, to acquire either draft assets and/or young players who could be part of the team’s future without adding big money. Think “diamonds in the rough” or “fallen angels.”
• Work with Cam Thomas in hopes of moving him and getting some assets in return but if that didn’t work out, end the relationship for the sake of both sides.

Check, check, check and check.

If you were surprised by the Nets moves between Wednesday and Thursday, you simply haven’t been paying attention or following the wrong pundits. The team’s focus remains on May 10, the draft lottery and beyond rather than April 14, the start of the play-in tournament. They continue to “play the probabilities” — a healthier phrasing than “tanking” – in hopes of landing a generational talent in the NBA Draft at Barclays Center in late June.

Sure, their choice of the three young players they acquired — one of whom they waived overnight — might have surprised as they prioritized development opportunities over the draft, perhaps thinking they have enough? As one fan tweeted Thursday afternoon, the Nets are trading for players he had to google — but after all, that was the point: they wanted to find good young players who for whatever reason didn’t succeed in their first jobs. Did they meet their goals?

Here in summary are the specifics of what they did Wednesday and Thursday:

• Traded the draft rights to a 29-year-old Serbian shooting guard, Vanya Marinkovic, to the Toronto Raptors for a 6’6” 25-year-old wing, Ochai Agbaji who had been a lottery pick in 2022; a Nuggets second rounder in 2032 and $3.5 million in cash considerations. Agbaji will earn $6.4 million this season, the last on his rookie deal. He’ll be a restricted free agent in July.
• Waived Haywood Highsmith, a 6’6” defensive-minded guard who they had obtained in the summer from the Miami Heat but who never played for them, spending the first half of the season rehabbing from left knee surgery. His agent told reporters that he was nearing a return, and playing 5-on-5 but Highsmith is 28, is an expiring deal, making $5.6 million. The Nets were unlikely to re-sign him.
• Exchanged seconds with the Nuggets so they could acquire 6’8” 25-year-old small forward Hunter Tyson in a salary dump that got Denver under the luxury tax threshold. The Nets gave up a 2026 second that will be the lesser favorable of Clippers and Hawks picks (around No. 44) in return for a Nuggets unfettered and unprotected second in 2032. Tyson is on the third year of his initial four-year deal making $2.2 million. The Nets waived Hunter shortly before midnight, leaving a roster opening likely to be filled by one of their two-way players.
• Send $110,000 in cash considerations (the minimum) to the Boston Celtics for 6’8” 23-year-old small forward Josh Minott. An athlete who Minnesota saw as a potential 3-and-D specialist when they drafted him out of the second round in 2022. Same with Boston who traded for him last year. He will earn $2.4 million this year, the first of a two-year deal with a $2.5 million team option next season. He reportedly wanted out of Boston where his minutes were starting to go to Hugo Gonzales.
• Waived Cam Thomas, 24, after he and they were unable to find a team willing to trade for him and his $6.0 expiring deal. He now becomes an unrestricted free agent and can be signed by team other than the Nets. There are already rumors of teams who might be interested in him. That seems exaggerated. Pooch and I wrote about his tenure in Brooklyn. Moving on after four and a half years.
• Waived Tyrese Martin, who turns 27 next month, after two years in Brooklyn. A fan favorite too is going to be looking for work, but without the baggage Thomas dragged around.
• Waived newly acquired Hunter Tyson.

As always happens, other deals didn’t get done for various reasons. Joe Vardon, the veteran Cavaliers beat writer, reported Friday that before Thomas as waived, the Cavs and Nets had discussions about a trade centered on Thomas for Lonzo Ball, the often injured point guard.

“The Nets looked but did not find a suitable offer for Cam Thomas. There had been talks with the Cleveland Cavaliers on a deal that would have sent Lonzo Ball to Brooklyn, league sources said, but that did not go far and Thomas might not have stayed with the Cavaliers even if it had happened. Ball was shuttled off to Utah for cap relief.”

The Nets are now slightly younger with a slightly higher payroll than they were at the beginning of the week. It looks like they’ll have less scoring but a better defense at least at the end of the bench. They’re a bit more athletic well. Both Minott and Agbaji registered 39” max verticals at their respective NBA combines.

They didn’t add a first rounder, but got a couple of new seconds, instead going for young players You can do that if you have 13 firsts — 10 tradeable — and 21 seconds.

Of course, the goal is not racking up wins but as we noted, “playing the probabilities,” leading up to the lottery.

Indeed, it’s the culmination of nearly a year long series of moves that prioritized the future, particularly the 2026 draft. As Yossi Gozlan of capsheets.com and the Third Apron podcast laid out in a tweet, the Nets have now exhausted almost all of the $60 million salary space they created last summer…

Final tally of what Brooklyn's $60 million in cap space yielded:

Michael Porter Jr.
DEN unprotected 2032 first
Terance Mann
Drake Powell
Ochai Agbaji
TOR 2032 second
Hunter Tyson
DEN 2032 second
Josh Minott
MIA 2032 second

Nets have $4.3 million in cap space leftover

— Yossi Gozlan (@YossiGozlan) February 5, 2026

As for next summer, Gozlan projects the Nets will continue to be a leader in cap space …

2026 cap space projections (post-trade deadline)

Bulls: $45-60 million (depends on Ivey)
Lakers: $48.5 million
Nets: $40 million
Clippers: $40 million (No Mathurin)
Hawks: $25 million (No Kuminga)

Few cap space teams and fewer attainable talent on the market pic.twitter.com/M81wbuUaIE

— Yossi Gozlan (@YossiGozlan) February 5, 2026

Is that enough? There have been mistakes along the way. As Salary Swish noted, the Nets are paying out $20 million in dead money this season, that is salaries paid to players who were waived…

Cam Thomas has been waived and added to the dead cap for the Brooklyn #Nets. Thomas has added $5,993,172 in dead cap bringing the Nets total to $20,115,616.
Thomas $5,993,172
Highsmith $5,616,000
Bufkin $4,503,720
Whitehead $3,262,560https://t.co/gQaYUkuyBB

— SalarySwish (@SalarySwish) February 5, 2026

You can add another $2,221,677 what Tyson is owed.

With Tyson waived, it seems that E.J. Liddell, the 6’7” 25-year-ol forward, or Tyson Etienne, the 6’0” 26-year-old shooting guard on the Long Island roster. In turn, that would open up a two-way spot. One possibility there is Long Island’s starting center, Grant Nelson, the 7’0” 23-year-old center who signed an Exhibit 10 with Brooklyn last summer. He recently came off a seven-week rehab for a knee issue and while still on a minutes restriction has put up big numbers, averaging 27.1 points and 12.7 rebounds per 36 minutes in nine starts. Thursday night, in 19 minutes, he put up 21 points on 8-of-8 shooting.

We’ll probably get additional information in the next few days about why the Nets did one thing rather than another, like the failed talks on a Thomas-for-Ball trade or like what do they know about the 2032 NBA Draft? After Thursday, Brooklyn now have six picks — two firsts and four seconds — in a draft whose players are currently 11 or 12 years old.

• Nets waiving Cam Thomas in long-awaited divorce – Brian Lewis – New York Post
• Nets close Cam Thomas chapter with waiver: report ($) – C.J. Holmes – New York Daily News
• Nets add Hunter Tyson, Josh Minott as deadline maneuvering continues: report ($) – C.J. Holmes – New York Daily News
• Healthy and available, Haywood Highsmith draws interest from contenders after Nets waive him ($) – C.J. Holmes – New York Daily News
• Nets waive Cam Thomas right after NBA trade deadline – Erik Slater – Clutch Points
• Nets waive key early-season contributor following deadline trades – Erik Slater – Clutch Points
• Nets release Tyrese Martin, Hunter Tyson to complete trade deadline – Sharif Phillips-Keaton

Source: https://www.netsdaily.com/nets-free...m-thomas-go-development-route-in-small-trades

 

[Brooklyn Nets]

Brooklyn Nets throttle tanking Washington Wizards, win 127-113

Jordan Bank/Getty Images

The NBA trade deadline has come and gone. Contenders buffed out their scratches, owners ducked their taxes, and now, Tank Season awaits the rest of us serfs. With two months left in the regular season, injury reports and funky substitution patterns provoke cries for Adam Silver and essays questioning whether Giannis Antetokounmpo publicly embracing Kalshi as a shareholder is a greater threat to the NBA’s integrity than Keshon Gilbert getting 29 minutes in a regular-season game for the Washington Wizards. It’s a dark, confusing world out there.

But at least it’s funny. Few sporting events capture this like a true NBA Tank-Off, so shameless and so absurd, with its participants forbidden from acknowledging it as such. World-class athletes don’t just have their own fans rooting against them, but their bosses too. Would NBA League Pass really be worth it without this perverse spectacle?

On Saturday afternoon, the 14-36 Wizards held up their end of the bargain. Forget some legitimately injured vets like Anthony Davis and Trae Young, they put ten guys on the injury report. Bilal Coulibaly, Alex Sarr, and Kyshawn George were questionable with injury, and none of them played. At the very least, the Wiz had the excuse of a back-to-back (facing the Miami Heat on Sunday) and four wins in their last six tries.

The 13-37 Brooklyn Nets did not, and they did not partake in the calculated fun. They handed in their cleanest injury report of the season; even trade acquisitions Josh Minott and Ochai Agbaji were available, though neither played. Perhaps Brooklyn didn’t learn their lesson from last season…

NIC CLAXTON FLIES IN FOR THE WIN

What a follow-up to WIN IT for Brooklyn!#TissotBuzzerBeater #YourTimeDefinesYourGreatness pic.twitter.com/7SBmHZYxRL

— NBA (@NBA) February 23, 2025

Maybe ownership believes you can’t turn the tank up to ten before the All-Star break. Maybe Michael Porter Jr.‘s knee is 100% fine and they didn’t want a call from the league office, maybe they thought there was no way to lose to the skeleton-crew Wizards. Maybe, they just wanted Jordi Fernández to see his team play well.

“While we’re not changing, you have to play hard and with purpose,” said Fernández pregame. “If we find that balance, we’ll see a competitive group. It’s not that hard, you just have to be committed. Lately we haven’t found those two things together.”

On Saturday, the Nets were finally on the other side of a lopsided first quarter. The hosts led 46-20, then 80-47 by halftime. Of course, it marked their highest point-total in any half this season, and Fernández got what he wanted: “I mean, playing extremely hard and with purpose. I thought we, like you said, found ways to score the ball. And I think that second group had a great thing going, from defense to offense, running the floor, doing the right things. And I think that group, if you look all the way through, that’s the one that gave us the win.”

Fernández isn’t lying. Michael Porter Jr. led the team in scoring with 23 points on 8-of-16 shooting, and Nolan Traore played well in another start, putting up 15/3/4 on 6-of-7 shooting with one lone turnover, but it was the bench that truly embarrassed Washington. To no surprise, the fringe NBA players off their bench couldn’t handle Day’Ron Sharpe, who mauled his way to 19/9/4.

Nor could they handle Sharpe’s partner in the front-court, Danny Wolf. The two were attached at the hip on Saturday, sharing all their minutes together. Wolf dropped 16/7/6, with three of those assists to Sharpe down low.

The rookie was highly complimentary of the vet, postgame: “He’s playing 20 minutes, and he’s giving you 19/9/4, I don’t know how many bigs in the NBA are doing that. I think his superpower is rebounding, right? And a lot of his points come off put-backs, and you might just look at that as an easy bucket, but it’s not easy to do … As you play with someone more, you’re gonna get that confidence in one another, and you’re gonna learn to play off each other, and it makes the game so much easier for everybody.”

Wolf stole the show, though. He made two threes and shot 7-of-11 without a turnover, all of his problem areas becoming strengths at least for one shining afternoon. Most importantly, Wolf seemed calmer, more self-assured than Nets fans have seen him for months. Not coincidentally, without Traore or Cam Thomas in the backcourt, he had the ball in his hands much more.

Said Wolf: “The last month, two months, it’s just a lot of learning. I was playing off the ball, and for me, it’s just like everything felt — I felt a little bit too sped up, and there’s gonna be games where that’s my role. And then when coach does give me the ball and trust me with it, it’s on me to make the right play.”

Danny Wolf splashes a 3 to give the Nets 46 points in the first quarter.

That’s the most points in any quarter for the Nets since 2023 (!!) pic.twitter.com/I4s9jD3Vh9

— SleeperNets (@SleeperNets) February 7, 2026

Egor Dëmin only had four points, going 0-of-5 from three. Still, the rest of the rookies all had shining moments, whether it was an athletic finish from Drake Powell at the rim, a fast-break dunk for Ben Saraf, or this sexy Traore bucket…

Nolan hits the spin move and turns on the jets pic.twitter.com/4C4N7Qjhkz

— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) February 7, 2026

The Wizards hit some 3-pointers in the final third of the game, and as a result, Brooklyn’s starters somehow ended up losing their minutes … not that it really mattered. Washington almost almost made it a game, but thanks to Brooklyn’s big bench, the game was over long before halftime.

The Nets shot an incomprehensible 69.8% inside the arc on Saturday; if they had gotten hot from deep, they would’ve put up 150 points. If they were gonna disregard the Tank-Off and win, at least they did it in style.

We’ll see if the NBA Draft Lottery gods reward them for their nobility on May 10.

Final Score: Brooklyn Nets 127, Washington Wizards 113

Milestone Watch​

• Now here’s some querying: All five rookies have recorded multiple assists in the past two games. Brooklyn becomes the first team in NBA history 5+ rookies do so in the same game, multiple times, since the 1980-81 New Jersey Nets.
• Brooklyn’s 36 assists matched a season-high. Six players recorded 4+ assists, tying a franchise record.
• Wolf and Sharpe are the first duo in Nets history to both record at least 16/7/4 off the bench in the same game.
• Brooklyn outscored Washing by 26 in the first quarter, their best point differential in a quarter since going +29 against Warriors in the first on 12/21/22.

Injury Report​

The Nets were completely healthy on Saturday! Only the two-ways, down in Long Island, missed this one. Which means that, yes, Ziaire Williams was a DNPCD, as well as Jalen Wilson, Agbaji, and Minott.

Nets bid farewell to Cam Thomas​

Saturday’s game marked the beginning of Brooklyn’s post-Cam Thomas era. When asked about the decision to waive him, Jordi Fernández, didn’t offer much: “I’m not going to speak for Sean [Marks]. When Cam was here, he wore our jersey, he played hard, and competed. The only thing I can say is thanks for the time he spent with us. He always worked, always tried, and was a teammate. Now it’s exciting for him to start somewhere else. We just wish him luck and say thanks for wearing our jersey.”

Remember, English is Fernández’s third language … but that is some quote. He wore our jersey. He was a teammate. Indeed, the Nets did compensate Cam Thomas for his services. This is all true.

When asked about the deadline in general, Danny Wolf singled out Tyrese Martin as a great mentor and someone he’d miss, though didn’t Thomas. Day’Ron Sharpe, a Nets pick alongside CT in the 2021 NBA Draft, was asked directly about Thomas and wished him well, noting their long-term relationship.

Cam Thomas averaged 24 points for the Nets just last season! You wouldn’t know it by his exit.

Tankathon Update​

Yep, it’s that time of the year:

Next Up​

The Brooklyn Nets continue their homestand with a game against the Chicago Bulls and their revolving door of guards. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET on Monday evening.

• Boxscore: Brooklyn Nets 127, Washington Wizards 113 – NBA
• Game Highlights: Brooklyn Nets 127, Washington Wizards 113 (Video) – NBA
• Jor di Fernandez PostGame Interview (Video) – YES Network
• Danny Wolf PostGame Interview (Video) – YES Network
• Day’Ron Sharpe PostGame Interview (Video) – Chris Carrino – YES Network
• Nets score 80 points in the first half and beat the short-handed Wizards 127-113 – AP
• Nets cruise past depleted Wizards in Tank Bowl to snap out of slump – Brian Lewis – New York Post
• Ochai Agbaji, Josh Minott welcomed as Nets snap skid against shorthanded Wizards ($) – C.J. Holmes – New York Daily News
• Jordi Fernandez opens up on Nets’ decision to waive Cam Thomas – Erik Slater – Clutch Points
• Nets’ Michael Porter Jr. drops 23 in 127-113 win over the Wizards – Sharif Phillips-Keaton – USA TODAY

Source: https://www.netsdaily.com/nets-scor...s-vs-wizards-127-113-danny-wolf-dayron-sharpe

 

[JJ]

Man oh man, what a wild week for the Nets! Finally waiving CT was the right call - that relationship was deader than the Bills playoff hopes last year (and trust me, THAT'S saying something).

Look, I know some of y'all are gonna miss Thomas's scoring, but let's be real here - the dude was a black hole on offense and the chemistry was TOXIC. Fernández basically said "he wore our jersey" and "he was a teammate" in his postgame comments. BRUTAL. That's the basketball equivalent of "we wish him well in his future endeavors."

The Flatbush 5 getting real run together is what I'm here for. Dëmin dropping 26 against Orlando, Traoré looking like he's figuring it out, and then Wolf absolutely COOKING against Washington with 16/7/6? That's the good stuff right there.

And can we talk about Sharpe for a second? Dude is putting up 19/9/4 in 20 minutes off the bench. That's INSANE production. Wolf called his rebounding a "superpower" and he ain't wrong.

The Agbaji and Minott pickups make sense - young guys who didn't work out elsewhere but have upside. Classic Sean Marks "diamonds in the rough" moves. Not sexy, but smart.

Now we just gotta keep playing the probabilities (we're NOT calling it tanking ) and pray to the lottery gods for that top pick in June. The tank bowl against Washington was hilarious - both teams trying to out-tank each other while pretending they're not.

Who's getting called up from Long Island though? Liddell or Nelson? That's the real question here.