Now that the Brooklyn Nets have been eliminated from the playoffs, they will look to meet their needs through some offseason moves.
Not many people thought that the Nets would make the playoffs this year. Many thought that the they were doomed for another lowly season that would see them near the bottom of the Eastern Conference. However, the Nets defied odds and surged to a 42-40 record while also nabbing a playoff spot. Although the Nets lost in five games to the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round, it was a clear step in the right direction for a franchise that had suffered for a while.
Led by budding stars in D’Angelo Russell and Caris Levert, the Nets seem like they are in good position to be a contending team in the future. Not only do they have young players turning into stars, but they have one of the best young cores surrounding the entire team. This includes key veteran Spencer Dinwiddie who averaged 16.8 points per game last season.
As the Nets turn their focus to a new season, they will find themselves in the mix for proven superstars set to hit the open market this season. Guys like Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant, and others could be interested in joining a Nets team that seems ready to contend with the right pieces immediately.
Let’s take a look at some needs that the Brooklyn Nets need to fill in order to gain even more traction in the league.
5. Trade Allen Crabbe
As things stand right now, Allen Crabbe is set to make the most money on the Nets roster next year after he exercised his $18.5 million player option for the 2019-20 season. It was an expected move by Crabbe, and probably a smart one as he would not even come close to demanding that amount of money if he hit the open market.
In an injury-riddled season, Crabbe put up a lowly 9.6 points per game, and he only shot 37.8 percent from 3-point territory. It was obvious that this was one of Crabbe’s worst season as professional. In order to free up more money to chase big free agents, the Nets need to do anything they can to rid themselves of this massive contract.
One possibility for the Nets would be to attach a draft pick with Crabbe in order to make him more enticing for teams to take him on. With the Nets only having the No. 17 pick in the draft this year and a roster full of budding prospects, the Nets can take the opportunity to relinquish their rights to the pick this year and get rid of Crabbe. By trading Crabbe, the Nets would give themselves so much more space and freedom to do what they want with the money they have.