Brooklyn Nets guard Patty Mills. (Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports)
After overhauling their roster at the trade deadline, the Brooklyn Nets will face some critical decisions this offseason. Here are three players who likely will not be back next season.
The 2022-23 season was tumultuous for the Brooklyn Nets. From a 12-game winning streak to trading Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving at the deadline to losing in the first round, the season was full of ups and downs.
However, the franchise has emerged with a clear direction. Trade acquisitions Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson are projected to be franchise cornerstones. Twenty-one-year-old Cam Thomas went on a historic scoring run. Nic Claxton received Defensive Player of the Year votes.
The supporting cast around that core remains in question, though. The Nets have a surprising amount of depth, and this offseason, they will have to make some key decisions.
Let’s take a look at three Nets who will likely not be back next season.
Nets who won’t be back next season: 3. Patty Mills
Mills is an odd fit for the current roster. When he joined the squad, he was playing alongside Durant, Irving, and James Harden. Now, the 34-year-old veteran is one of the last remaining pieces of the short-lived “Big 3 era”, along with Claxton, Thomas, Joe Harris, and Day’Ron Sharpe.
Mills has one year worth approximately $6.8 million left on his deal. He is no longer in his prime, but he still could have value to a playoff team. He is a career 38.9 percent 3-point shooter with championship experience.
There are some logical fits. The Portland Trail Blazers lack point guard depth behind Damian Lillard. The Dallas Mavericks just need depth period.
However, it will be difficult for the Nets to get significant value in any potential deal. They will likely have to take on a bad contract in return. Here is a potential trade:
Nets Get
C JaVale McGee
2025 2nd round pick (unprotected)
Mavericks Get
PG Patty Mills
Otherwise, they may have to attach a second-round pick to move Mills.