Nets Going Forward: Planning for Next Season

[DarkXaero]

I wouldn't put Taurean Prince as part of those players who are retained. I think he's the most dispensable player on the entire roster due to his salary and production. Temple + small $2 mill contracts can't get us much, its not enough salary.

I never said Prince was not dispensable.

I just want to put the focus on the fringe players and punt on Prince until later.

I was just going by your premise (the 8 players that are not traded), not saying that it's what you believe. Those fringe players aren't going to get us much because the salaries aren't enough to get much. I get that reasoning to retain for the likes of Levert, Dinwiddie, Allen, but Prince isn't like those guys. Just saying that his $12 mill/yr salary and his awful production this past year makes him the most dispensable player on the roster, even if we retain the majority of the same roster. And I'm one of those people who actually believes that Prince can be valuable on this team with much better players around him, but it's not a gamble I'm willing to take if there are better options out there.

[Hello Brooklyn]

The problem with Holiday again the contract issue.

Are comfortable giving a 31 year old injury prone PG a max contract next off season?

I personally don't think paying a non-All Star 30 mill+ is ever a smart move. Especially when they are older and have knee issues.

There's also the very real possibility that he just leaves in free agency.

We all agree that we need major defensive help. Why not just try to pursue great defensive wing players through the draft/MLE/smaller trade.

Why give up our main assets to sink it all into Jrue who will be a poor long term investment?

Even Zach Lowe Arnowitz said they probably would not trade Levert for Holiday because of his offensive abilities.

[DarkXaero]

The problem with Holiday again the contract issue.

Are comfortable giving a 31 year old injury prone PG a max contract next off season?

I personally don't think paying a non-All Star 30 mill+ is ever a smart move. Especially when they are older and have knee issues.

There's also the very real possibility that he just leaves in free agency.

We all agree that we need major defensive help. Why not just try to pursue great defensive wing players through the draft/MLE/smaller trade.

Why give up our main assets to sink it all into Jrue who will be a poor long term investment?

Even Zach Lowe Arnowitz said they probably would not trade Levert for Holiday because of his offensive abilities.

I think labeling Jrue Holiday as "injury prone" at this point is a bit unfair and inaccurate. The guy used to be very injury prone, but he has stayed relatively healthy, especially these past 3 years despite playing heavy minutes. Being 30 or 31 isn't a death sentence in this league. Our #1 guy will be 32 next season coming off an achilles injury, yet we still expect him to be good.

He is an all star caliber player, I don't care about the actual selection, we're talking his impact here. He's an elite defender in the league with an above average offensive skillset, and his impact on the floor has consistently been rated highly by advanced metrics.

I don't see the draft as an answer to our problems at all. As it stands, we have the 19th pick in a weak draft, and assuming that a rookie can come in and help out a contender, especially in the playoffs, its a massive ask. Can it happen? Sure. OKC signed undrafted Dort this season, and he played excellent defense on Harden. But that's a rare example. Most of the times, even when rookies excel in regular season, in playoffs, they become non factors. Smaller trade and MLE are valid options, but you aren't going to get a player of Jrue's caliber defense through that. Also, I'd like to hear what those options (not trying to be combative, its a genuine question).

No indication that Jrue would be a "poor long term investment". Ultimately, Marks makes the move (if he does), and I trust his judgment. NBA GMs, especially Marks, aren't stupid and they'll do all their due diligence (injury concerns, pending free agency, etc.) before greenlighting a trade.

I listened to that Lowe/Arnovitz podcast and they never said that from my memory. It was a question they weren't able to answer, they said that they would need more information before making that decision. Also, one doesn't have to automatically assume that it would be Levert getting traded for Jrue.

[vincecarter4pres]

An ostensibly "weak" draft is a poor reason for a good GM not to value picks, especially as our team faces long-term cap issues.

We traded Damian Lillard for 3 months of soon-to-be-UFA Gerald Wallace, because we said it was a "weak draft". Indiana traded Kawhi Leonard for a year of George Hill, because it was a "weak draft". Denver sold BOTH Rudy Gobert and DOnovan Mitchell to the Jazz, because they said those were "weak drafts".

I no longer think that we will trade Caris, but if we did, this could certainly be a worthwhile move. Tony's D has been a bit overrated, but he's solid, and is in theory a great player to put around superstars, due to his off-ball efficiency. Getting him, and if someone like Toppin drops to 7, would make losing Levert sting less, and would make re-signing Allen and avoiding the luxury tax more feasible.

Nobody is saying we shouldn't value picks.

But trading Levert for an unknown pick in a terrible draft is objectively a terrible idea.

People are proposing trading him for guys like Holiday or Beal and you want to give him up for an unproven 20 year old?

We hear almost every draft, what a weak draft this is.

Then we hear about a monster draft and it highly disappoints.

There are rarely completely awful drafts, happens maybe once a decade.

I have faith in Marks finding a stud at 7 who would never be available past say pick 12 in this draft. There isn't even one guy I love from this draft personally, but there are a number of projected top 10 guys who should be really good. Again, I have faith in Marks and Nets scouts deciphering which one is the next Paul George and not the next Aminu.

Even if Beal was traded here, you're talking LeVert, Allen, Claxton, multiple 1st's, etc., for him. So if there isn't a Beal deal to be had, I don't mind the idea of just LeVert, or just Dinwiddie and maybe the 19th or a '20 1st to get in the top 10 of this draft, if Marks loved a guy there.

I feel like I need to reiterate again though, I don't love or even like every trade I post on here. Most of the time they're conversation starters because the deal is at least mostly realistic from the other team's perspective, or the likely on paper value of our outgoing guy.

This isn't a homerun deal I'm pushing for hard, but I'd be perfectly OK with it, if this is what Marks, Nash, Vaughn and the scouts thought was a great move.

Although draft picks are often overvalued, ITT they're becoming undervalued. Crawford is said likely to sign here next year. Good chance you'd still have Dinwiddie if this trade went down. LeVert isn't a can't miss stud of a player, his production and his role can be replaced. The key is if another team did view him that way.

And remember, this pick could be re-flipped.

[vincecarter4pres]

Yall are talking about trading Allen or LeVert for names like Tony Snell and JJ Reddick......

we'd be better off keeping both of them at that rate. jesus christ

Tony Snell and the 7th overall pick.

Honestly, I could see that being the basis of a blockbuster deal.

LeVert to Detroit

7th pick, 19th pick, '20 1st, Claxton, '22 1st to somewhere else

Star to BK

[vincecarter4pres]

these trade ideas are pretty...how should I say it...

Say it.

Sega!


















































Sega?

[ProspectPark]

If we traded for Jrue, and he re-signed for $27 million, here he how are cap sheet would look in 2021-2022:

KD $41 million
Kyrie $35 million
Jrue $27 million
Harris $15 million
DJ $10 million
=$128 million on 5 players

For the people who think we should trade for Jrue, how would we fill out the rest of the roster?

[DarkXaero]

An ostensibly "weak" draft is a poor reason for a good GM not to value picks, especially as our team faces long-term cap issues.

We traded Damian Lillard for 3 months of soon-to-be-UFA Gerald Wallace, because we said it was a "weak draft". Indiana traded Kawhi Leonard for a year of George Hill, because it was a "weak draft". Denver sold BOTH Rudy Gobert and DOnovan Mitchell to the Jazz, because they said those were "weak drafts".

I no longer think that we will trade Caris, but if we did, this could certainly be a worthwhile move. Tony's D has been a bit overrated, but he's solid, and is in theory a great player to put around superstars, due to his off-ball efficiency. Getting him, and if someone like Toppin drops to 7, would make losing Levert sting less, and would make re-signing Allen and avoiding the luxury tax more feasible.

Nobody is saying we shouldn't value picks.

But trading Levert for an unknown pick in a terrible draft is objectively a terrible idea.

People are proposing trading him for guys like Holiday or Beal and you want to give him up for an unproven 20 year old?

We hear almost every draft, what a weak draft this is.

Then we hear about a monster draft and it highly disappoints.

There are rarely completely awful drafts, happens maybe once a decade.

I have faith in Marks finding a stud at 7 who would never be available past say pick 12 in this draft. There isn't even one guy I love from this draft personally, but there are a number of projected top 10 guys who should be really good. Again, I have faith in Marks and Nets scouts deciphering which one is the next Paul George and not the next Aminu.

Even if Beal was traded here, you're talking LeVert, Allen, Claxton, multiple 1st's, etc., for him. So if there isn't a Beal deal to be had, I don't mind the idea of just LeVert, or just Dinwiddie and maybe the 19th or a '20 1st to get in the top 10 of this draft, if Marks loved a guy there.

I feel like I need to reiterate again though, I don't love or even like every trade I post on here. Most of the time they're conversation starters because the deal is at least mostly realistic from the other team's perspective, or the likely on paper value of our outgoing guy.

This isn't a homerun deal I'm pushing for hard, but I'd be perfectly OK with it, if this is what Marks, Nash, Vaughn and the scouts thought was a great move.

Although draft picks are often overvalued, ITT they're becoming undervalued. Crawford is said likely to sign here next year. Good chance you'd still have Dinwiddie if this trade went down. LeVert isn't a can't miss stud of a player, his production and his role can be replaced. The key is if another team did view him that way.

And remember, this pick could be re-flipped.

Usually, there are polarizing opinions on a draft class (someone will say its weak, others will say its not), but I think this time, there seems to be a consensus opinion that its a **** draft class. A lot of that has to do with a lack of genuine star quality prospects at the top, but that also affects the rest of the draft class where decent prospects can get overvalued. I think draft day can tell us a lot about what NBA teams think about the draft class, when you see trades, and possibly picks being sold for cash considerations.

At the end of the day, I think it is unrealistic to expect rookies to come in and be a positive contributor on a championship contender, especially come playoffs time. It rarely happens. Tyler Herro can be considered an example this year, but I think that a lot of these players are benefiting from the bubble scenario. I don't mind the idea of getting into the lottery, but it should be in a trade where we're already getting an established NBA player who can help us right away (like I suggested in Oubre trade).

[ProspectPark]

The problem with Holiday again the contract issue.

Are comfortable giving a 31 year old injury prone PG a max contract next off season?

I personally don't think paying a non-All Star 30 mill+ is ever a smart move. Especially when they are older and have knee issues.

There's also the very real possibility that he just leaves in free agency.

We all agree that we need major defensive help. Why not just try to pursue great defensive wing players through the draft/MLE/smaller trade.

Why give up our main assets to sink it all into Jrue who will be a poor long term investment?

Even Zach Lowe Arnowitz said they probably would not trade Levert for Holiday because of his offensive abilities.

I think labeling Jrue Holiday as "injury prone" at this point is a bit unfair and inaccurate. The guy used to be very injury prone, but he has stayed relatively healthy, especially these past 3 years despite playing heavy minutes. Being 30 or 31 isn't a death sentence in this league. Our #1 guy will be 32 next season coming off an achilles injury, yet we still expect him to be good.

He is an all star caliber player, I don't care about the actual selection, we're talking his impact here. He's an elite defender in the league with an above average offensive skillset, and his impact on the floor has consistently been rated highly by advanced metrics.

I don't see the draft as an answer to our problems at all. As it stands, we have the 19th pick in a weak draft, and assuming that a rookie can come in and help out a contender, especially in the playoffs, its a massive ask. Can it happen? Sure. OKC signed undrafted Dort this season, and he played excellent defense on Harden. But that's a rare example. Most of the times, even when rookies excel in regular season, in playoffs, they become non factors. Smaller trade and MLE are valid options, but you aren't going to get a player of Jrue's caliber defense through that. Also, I'd like to hear what those options (not trying to be combative, its a genuine question).

No indication that Jrue would be a "poor long term investment". Ultimately, Marks makes the move (if he does), and I trust his judgment. NBA GMs, especially Marks, aren't stupid and they'll do all their due diligence (injury concerns, pending free agency, etc.) before greenlighting a trade.

I listened to that Lowe/Arnovitz podcast and they never said that from my memory. It was a question they weren't able to answer, they said that they would need more information before making that decision. Also, one doesn't have to automatically assume that it would be Levert getting traded for Jrue.

What would be your trade proposal for Jrue, and what do you think is our depth chart afterwards?

He makes around $26 million, so we need to send close to that much out to get him.

[3pt_chucker]

I know this is a fun exercise for some/most but I really don't think we should be discussing too much trading for Jrue/LaVine type.

Everything the Nets(KD, GM, rumors, etc) point to the Nets keeping Caris, at least to start the season. There is a slight chance we trade Din and maybe Allen... Like < 5% chance imo.

If next season starts looking rough/bad fits then I think we can return to this but for now I def think the core will be the same. I have a hard time believing Marks,Nash & co. is going to make a major move without even seeing how KD, Kyrie, LeVert and Spence etc all fit. Especially since if we make that kind of trade, the team will lose almost all it's flexibility.

I def think we should prob focus more on fringe moves. Like acquiring a cheapish defensive guard and/or wing via trade/FA. Like,can we trade for Nwaba from Houston(LOL). I also think we are either going to trade up in the draft or hone in on a wing/defensive guard.

Anyway, that's just my $0.2. Just kind of tired of the big trade talk when I scroll through the thread, when it feels like an effort in futility (especially since it's the same arguments back and forth for months ).

[vincecarter4pres]

Keep in mind the fact that Marks didn't spend damn thing yet even on players he liked.

I don't know what you mean by this.? he just paid Levert to a decent size contract. He also gave Joe Harris and Din a 2nd contract. Not sure what you mean

That was meant to Kamaze and that previous post above.
With the current management I can't recall any transactions being made to move up in a draft. We in win now mode yet I keep seeing people bring up draft as more important than some players. As I explained, win now teams most of the times do not move up in a draft while surrendering their players. Opposite is what happens 99% of the time. In addition to it there's not one sure star player/s that coming out and within our reach.
We have good prospects that still need to be developed and couple picks we have to make our decision with. I get the fact that you never stop building for future and our organization made it clear that it'll be their priority. However how often you see players come in and contribute right away? Barkley was the last one I can recall. Even though it still took him few years to figure it out. Does it make sense to give up Din or LeVert to move up into top seven right now? To me it's laughable at this point.

Wait, Charles **** ing Barkley is the last rookie to come in and contribute right away? Even if we're only talking contenders?

Bruh...

[MrDollarBills]

I know this is a fun exercise for some/most but I really don't think we should be discussing too much trading for Jrue/LaVine type.

Everything the Nets(KD, GM, rumors, etc) point to the Nets keeping Caris, at least to start the season. There is a slight chance we trade Din and maybe Allen... Like < 5% chance imo.

If next season starts looking rough/bad fits then I think we can return to this but for now I def think the core will be the same. I have a hard time believing Marks,Nash & co. is going to make a major move without even seeing how KD, Kyrie, LeVert and Spence etc all fit. Especially since if we make that kind of trade, the team will lose almost all it's flexibility.

I def think we should prob focus more on fringe moves. Like acquiring a cheapish defensive guard and/or wing via trade/FA. Like,can we trade for Nwaba from Houston(LOL). I also think we are either going to trade up in the draft or hone in on a wing/defensive guard.

Anyway, that's just my $0.2. Just kind of tired of the big trade talk when I scroll through the thread, when it feels like an effort in futility (especially since it's the same arguments back and forth for months ).

Same.

Here is the reality: we have a team with two superstars and a ton of depth at every position. We do need a wing defender. But other than that, this roster is loaded AS constructed right now. We have elite guard depth. Shooters. Two big men that are dangerous in the pick and roll. I think people are putting way too much stock into how this season played out when in reality on paper we are loaded and guys who had higher usage than normal will shine by having their roles made easier by KD and Kyrie.

We need some tweaks, and while i like the idea or Jrue Holiday, I'm fine with Marks not doing much else than resigning Harris and using the MLE and pick #19 to add wing depth defensively.

Allen/Jordan/Claxton
KD/Prince/Kurucs
Harris/Temple/TLC/
Kyrie/LeVert/Dinwiddie/Chiozza

MLE + pick 19.

That is a serious squad.

[DarkXaero]

The problem with Holiday again the contract issue.

Are comfortable giving a 31 year old injury prone PG a max contract next off season?

I personally don't think paying a non-All Star 30 mill+ is ever a smart move. Especially when they are older and have knee issues.

There's also the very real possibility that he just leaves in free agency.

We all agree that we need major defensive help. Why not just try to pursue great defensive wing players through the draft/MLE/smaller trade.

Why give up our main assets to sink it all into Jrue who will be a poor long term investment?

Even Zach Lowe Arnowitz said they probably would not trade Levert for Holiday because of his offensive abilities.

I think labeling Jrue Holiday as "injury prone" at this point is a bit unfair and inaccurate. The guy used to be very injury prone, but he has stayed relatively healthy, especially these past 3 years despite playing heavy minutes. Being 30 or 31 isn't a death sentence in this league. Our #1 guy will be 32 next season coming off an achilles injury, yet we still expect him to be good.

He is an all star caliber player, I don't care about the actual selection, we're talking his impact here. He's an elite defender in the league with an above average offensive skillset, and his impact on the floor has consistently been rated highly by advanced metrics.

I don't see the draft as an answer to our problems at all. As it stands, we have the 19th pick in a weak draft, and assuming that a rookie can come in and help out a contender, especially in the playoffs, its a massive ask. Can it happen? Sure. OKC signed undrafted Dort this season, and he played excellent defense on Harden. But that's a rare example. Most of the times, even when rookies excel in regular season, in playoffs, they become non factors. Smaller trade and MLE are valid options, but you aren't going to get a player of Jrue's caliber defense through that. Also, I'd like to hear what those options (not trying to be combative, its a genuine question).

No indication that Jrue would be a "poor long term investment". Ultimately, Marks makes the move (if he does), and I trust his judgment. NBA GMs, especially Marks, aren't stupid and they'll do all their due diligence (injury concerns, pending free agency, etc.) before greenlighting a trade.

I listened to that Lowe/Arnovitz podcast and they never said that from my memory. It was a question they weren't able to answer, they said that they would need more information before making that decision. Also, one doesn't have to automatically assume that it would be Levert getting traded for Jrue.

What would be your trade proposal for Jrue, and what do you think is our depth chart afterwards?

He makes around $26 million, so we need to send close to that much out to get him.

I think I've outlined multiple trade ideas for Jrue. Main one being Levert, Temple, and Philly 1st (also open to adding extra assets) for Jrue. It works salary wise. Back when I made this thread in January, I had a trade idea of Levert, Allen, Prince for Jrue & JJ, but that was on an assumption that we're able to get another center through trade or free agency. Also at that time, Levert's value was significantly lower than it is now.

If we do a Jrue trade using the first idea, the depth chart can look like:

Kyrie/Dinwiddie/Chiozza
Jrue/Tyler Johnson/Crawford
KD/Joe Harris/TLC
Prince/Kurucs/FA
DJ/Allen/Claxton

I wouldn't keep Prince either, and make a follow up trade to improve the 4 position as it looks like the obvious weak link there.

[Claud]

I would love Jrue on the squad but not his contract.

Dinwiddie and Jrue will be free agents at the same time... why not just roll with what we have in the meantime and see what happens?

Once KD and Kyrie are back and playing, both Dinwiddie and Caris will have to shift some of their energy to playing DEFENSE instead of using all of their juice just for offense like they've been forced to do due to the injuries which have occurred.

I am very curious to see our current roster + Joe Harris resigned + KD/Ky back on the floor.

Worst case scenario we make a move at the trade deadline so it should be okay.

I've been a Nets fan long enough to know I should not get excited but man I am super hyped for the upcoming season.

I feel it's going to be magic.

[vincecarter4pres]

I know this is a fun exercise for some/most but I really don't think we should be discussing too much trading for Jrue/LaVine type.

Everything the Nets(KD, GM, rumors, etc) point to the Nets keeping Caris, at least to start the season. There is a slight chance we trade Din and maybe Allen... Like < 5% chance imo.

If next season starts looking rough/bad fits then I think we can return to this but for now I def think the core will be the same. I have a hard time believing Marks,Nash & co. is going to make a major move without even seeing how KD, Kyrie, LeVert and Spence etc all fit. Especially since if we make that kind of trade, the team will lose almost all it's flexibility.

I def think we should prob focus more on fringe moves. Like acquiring a cheapish defensive guard and/or wing via trade/FA. Like,can we trade for Nwaba from Houston(LOL). I also think we are either going to trade up in the draft or hone in on a wing/defensive guard.

Anyway, that's just my $0.2. Just kind of tired of the big trade talk when I scroll through the thread, when it feels like an effort in futility (especially since it's the same arguments back and forth for months ).

I don't think everything they're saying points to keeping the roster the same at all. In fact stuff from Ian Eagle says the contrary, remarks from Kyrie last season and KD subtly point towards moves being made as well.

Is it going to be a blockbuster? Maybe not, but as awesome as he would be for this team and as good as he is, I wouldn't even call Jrue a true blockbuster, not even sure on Lavine either.

And more so, I think it's very likely we see a trade for an athletic guy or 2 like Terrence Ross, Aaron Gordon, Norman Powell, Oubre, etc., but without touching LeVert or Dinwiddie, or even Allen.

I don't see why they need to give this roster as currently constructed a chance as if it's been together for years and fits, there's just been injuries, or something to that tune. Once KD and Kyrie signed, all bets are off and there are some fit issues for sure and a severe lack of athleticism and perimeter defense. It's not like you're disrupting some incredible chemistry by totally revamping the roster this off-season, KD hasn't played a game and Kyrie was out most of the year, Dinwiddie didn't make it to the bubble, LeVert was hurt, etc. Even leaving the group as-is, it's like coming to a totally revamped roster for the stars, so why not make a huge makeover right now and keep the core of that group intact for the next 2 or 3 seasons afterwords?

My thing is, this thread is exactly for that kind of talk lol. It has spilled into every thread, which I do see as tiring myself, but this thread specifically is literally created for trade and free agency talk.

I don't think it's overwhelming likely we make a big trade, but I'd put the odds way up, maybe like 40 to 60%, not under 5.

Maybe we're talking similar, but I see more than a fringe move like trading for a minimum guy. I at least see something where expiring salary, picks and prospects, and if needed Prince, are dealt for a guy who makes a lot of sense.

Just my opinion on it.

And also, yes, obviously I get a lot of entertainment out of trade talks.

[DarkXaero]

If we traded for Jrue, and he re-signed for $27 million, here he how are cap sheet would look in 2021-2022:

KD $41 million
Kyrie $35 million
Jrue $27 million
Harris $15 million
DJ $10 million
=$128 million on 5 players

For the people who think we should trade for Jrue, how would we fill out the rest of the roster?

Paying money is the ownership's choice, and if they're okay with it, that's all that matters. I keep stressing this but Marks knows what he's doing, and the front office will do all the calculations/projections to see what's viable. If we stay the course, we're still going to be a team with an insane payroll if we keep everyone. Dinwiddie and Allen are both due for big paydays after next season, so are we just gonna let them walk?

As for how we fill out the roster then, you still have Dinwiddie's bird rights, and Allen's RFA rights. Additionally, there are possible rotation pieces on cheap deals (Kurucs, TLC, Claxton). You'll still have the tax payer MLE and guys who are willing to join on minimum. There are plenty of options out there.

[DarkXaero]

I know this is a fun exercise for some/most but I really don't think we should be discussing too much trading for Jrue/LaVine type.

Everything the Nets(KD, GM, rumors, etc) point to the Nets keeping Caris, at least to start the season. There is a slight chance we trade Din and maybe Allen... Like < 5% chance imo.

If next season starts looking rough/bad fits then I think we can return to this but for now I def think the core will be the same. I have a hard time believing Marks,Nash & co. is going to make a major move without even seeing how KD, Kyrie, LeVert and Spence etc all fit. Especially since if we make that kind of trade, the team will lose almost all it's flexibility.

I def think we should prob focus more on fringe moves. Like acquiring a cheapish defensive guard and/or wing via trade/FA. Like,can we trade for Nwaba from Houston(LOL). I also think we are either going to trade up in the draft or hone in on a wing/defensive guard.

Anyway, that's just my $0.2. Just kind of tired of the big trade talk when I scroll through the thread, when it feels like an effort in futility (especially since it's the same arguments back and forth for months ).

I don't think everything they're saying points to keeping the roster the same at all. In fact stuff from Ian Eagle says the contrary, remarks from Kyrie last season and KD subtly point towards moves being made as well.

Is it going to be a blockbuster? Maybe not, but as awesome as he would be for this team and as good as he is, I wouldn't even call Jrue a true blockbuster, not even sure on Lavine either.

And more so, I think it's very likely we see a trade for an athletic guy or 2 like Terrence Ross, Aaron Gordon, Norman Powell, Oubre, etc., but without touching LeVert or Dinwiddie, or even Allen.

I don't see why they need to give this roster as currently constructed a chance as if it's been together for years and fits, there's just been injuries, or something to that tune. Once KD and Kyrie signed, all bets are off and there are some fit issues for sure and a severe lack of athleticism and perimeter defense. It's not like you're disrupting some incredible chemistry by totally revamping the roster this off-season, KD hasn't played a game and Kyrie was out most of the year, Dinwiddie didn't make it to the bubble, LeVert was hurt, etc. Even leaving the group as-is, it's like coming to a totally revamped roster for the stars, so why not make a huge makeover right now and keep the core of that group intact for the next 2 or 3 seasons afterwords?

My thing is, this thread is exactly for that kind of talk lol. It has spilled into every thread, which I do see as tiring myself, but this thread specifically is literally created for trade and free agency talk.

I don't think it's overwhelming likely we make a big trade, but I'd put the odds way up, maybe like 40 to 60%, not under 5.

Maybe we're talking similar, but I see more than a fringe move like trading for a minimum guy. I at least see something where expiring salary, picks and prospects, and if needed Prince, are dealt for a guy who makes a lot of sense.

Just my opinion on it.

And also, yes, obviously I get a lot of entertainment out of trade talks.

I agree with this 100%. I honestly don't know where all this talk of "everything the Nets are doing points to no trades" or "Caris/Dinwiddie is going NOWHERE", etc. is coming from.

First of all, Sean Marks has left the possibility of roster moves open multiple times when he has been interviewed in past few months. Sean Marks is the guy who really gives away nothing when he talks, and he can easily shut down talk of trade moves in any of those interviews, yet he hasn't. Then you have Steve Nash who just got hired and just said this:

“I’m preparing us to be the best team we can be with this roster – I expect this core to be there, but in the NBA, you have to be adaptable and know that anything can happen, so my focus is on trying to put this group in the best position to succeed.”

" Caris is a guy who can attack and make the first domino fall. It’s about making these pieces fit together, and a lot is left to be determined, but Caris is versatile – he can start, he can maybe fit that Ginobili role as a closer – but it’s exciting to have a player of his caliber, another player who loves the game.”

Does that sound like confirmation that the core will stay intact? Secondly, you're also spot on about the view of this roster, there's no chemistry being disrupted as this team hasn't even played together. There are obvious flaws in the roster as it stands, and the entire premise of this thread is to explore the possibilities out there to improve upon those flaws.

[DarkXaero]

I would love Jrue on the squad but not his contract.

Dinwiddie and Jrue will be free agents at the same time... why not just roll with what we have in the meantime and see what happens?

Once KD and Kyrie are back and playing, both Dinwiddie and Caris will have to shift some of their energy to playing DEFENSE instead of using all of their juice just for offense like they've been forced to do due to the injuries which have occurred.

I am very curious to see our current roster + Joe Harris resigned + KD/Ky back on the floor.

Worst case scenario we make a move at the trade deadline so it should be okay.

I've been a Nets fan long enough to know I should not get excited but man I am super hyped for the upcoming season.

I feel it's going to be magic.

We can make a trade for Jrue and agree an extension early, or Jrue may simply opt in instead of opting out (it is a player option). If you're uncomfortable with paying Jrue Holiday that amount of money, that's a different story.

We can hope for a lot of things, maybe Dinwiddie & Levert can become good defenders, maybe they'll stay as average/below average defenders. What we do know is that our window is short, and the margin for error is very small. Making a deadline trade is not something contenders usually do, and I honestly don't see Marks making huge deadline moves.

[Hello Brooklyn]

The problem with Holiday again the contract issue.

Are comfortable giving a 31 year old injury prone PG a max contract next off season?

I personally don't think paying a non-All Star 30 mill+ is ever a smart move. Especially when they are older and have knee issues.

There's also the very real possibility that he just leaves in free agency.

We all agree that we need major defensive help. Why not just try to pursue great defensive wing players through the draft/MLE/smaller trade.

Why give up our main assets to sink it all into Jrue who will be a poor long term investment?

Even Zach Lowe Arnowitz said they probably would not trade Levert for Holiday because of his offensive abilities.

I think labeling Jrue Holiday as "injury prone" at this point is a bit unfair and inaccurate. The guy used to be very injury prone, but he has stayed relatively healthy, especially these past 3 years despite playing heavy minutes. Being 30 or 31 isn't a death sentence in this league. Our #1 guy will be 32 next season coming off an achilles injury, yet we still expect him to be good.

He is an all star caliber player, I don't care about the actual selection, we're talking his impact here. He's an elite defender in the league with an above average offensive skillset, and his impact on the floor has consistently been rated highly by advanced metrics.

I don't see the draft as an answer to our problems at all. As it stands, we have the 19th pick in a weak draft, and assuming that a rookie can come in and help out a contender, especially in the playoffs, its a massive ask. Can it happen? Sure. OKC signed undrafted Dort this season, and he played excellent defense on Harden. But that's a rare example. Most of the times, even when rookies excel in regular season, in playoffs, they become non factors. Smaller trade and MLE are valid options, but you aren't going to get a player of Jrue's caliber defense through that. Also, I'd like to hear what those options (not trying to be combative, its a genuine question).

No indication that Jrue would be a "poor long term investment". Ultimately, Marks makes the move (if he does), and I trust his judgment. NBA GMs, especially Marks, aren't stupid and they'll do all their due diligence (injury concerns, pending free agency, etc.) before greenlighting a trade.

I listened to that Lowe/Arnovitz podcast and they never said that from my memory. It was a question they weren't able to answer, they said that they would need more information before making that decision. Also, one doesn't have to automatically assume that it would be Levert getting traded for Jrue.

I don't think its inaccurate at all. Holiday has a history of serious injuries, which tend to get worse as smaller guards get older. Its not the main factor here but its definitely relevant.

I don't think hes an All Star caliber player at all. Hes very good/elite offensively (I've actually changed my mind on him after so many players have praised his defense.) But hes good offensively, not great. Undersized, not a great shooter, passer or finisher. There is nothing he does offensively at an elite level. To me he has never shown he can be All Star level player. And he certainly not worth 30 mill.

This is a "weak draft" but you're thinking about it incorrectly. Its a weak draft in terms of there not being any high level talent. Its not a weak draft in terms of its depth. Theres actually a lot of good role player. KOC went in depth about this during one of his podcasts with Vernon.

Is that the probable answer? No. But its one of the three options I suggested to find defensive help along with Free Agency and a smaller trade. I'm still looking to flip Allen for a defensive wing. Someone who I think could better help guard players like Tatum or Kawhi than Holiday could.

Paying 30 million to a non-All Star 31 year old guard is objectively a bad contract. Its generally not a smart idea to give anyone that unless they are sure fire All Stars for multiple years. Especially when you already have 60 mill tied up in two other max players. We are basically hampering all flexibility into three massive contracts for the remaining two years of KD/Kyrie's tenure.

They didn't directly say it. But they were basically saying that they would lean towards not doing it. I think it would be very tough to trade for Holiday w/o Levert. They can get better offers elsewhere.

[Hello Brooklyn]

An ostensibly "weak" draft is a poor reason for a good GM not to value picks, especially as our team faces long-term cap issues.

We traded Damian Lillard for 3 months of soon-to-be-UFA Gerald Wallace, because we said it was a "weak draft". Indiana traded Kawhi Leonard for a year of George Hill, because it was a "weak draft". Denver sold BOTH Rudy Gobert and DOnovan Mitchell to the Jazz, because they said those were "weak drafts".

I no longer think that we will trade Caris, but if we did, this could certainly be a worthwhile move. Tony's D has been a bit overrated, but he's solid, and is in theory a great player to put around superstars, due to his off-ball efficiency. Getting him, and if someone like Toppin drops to 7, would make losing Levert sting less, and would make re-signing Allen and avoiding the luxury tax more feasible.

Nobody is saying we shouldn't value picks.

But trading Levert for an unknown pick in a terrible draft is objectively a terrible idea.

People are proposing trading him for guys like Holiday or Beal and you want to give him up for an unproven 20 year old?

We hear almost every draft, what a weak draft this is.

Then we hear about a monster draft and it highly disappoints.

There are rarely completely awful drafts, happens maybe once a decade.

I have faith in Marks finding a stud at 7 who would never be available past say pick 12 in this draft. There isn't even one guy I love from this draft personally, but there are a number of projected top 10 guys who should be really good. Again, I have faith in Marks and Nets scouts deciphering which one is the next Paul George and not the next Aminu.

Even if Beal was traded here, you're talking LeVert, Allen, Claxton, multiple 1st's, etc., for him. So if there isn't a Beal deal to be had, I don't mind the idea of just LeVert, or just Dinwiddie and maybe the 19th or a '20 1st to get in the top 10 of this draft, if Marks loved a guy there.

I feel like I need to reiterate again though, I don't love or even like every trade I post on here. Most of the time they're conversation starters because the deal is at least mostly realistic from the other team's perspective, or the likely on paper value of our outgoing guy.

This isn't a homerun deal I'm pushing for hard, but I'd be perfectly OK with it, if this is what Marks, Nash, Vaughn and the scouts thought was a great move.

Although draft picks are often overvalued, ITT they're becoming undervalued. Crawford is said likely to sign here next year. Good chance you'd still have Dinwiddie if this trade went down. LeVert isn't a can't miss stud of a player, his production and his role can be replaced. The key is if another team did view him that way.

And remember, this pick could be re-flipped.

Thats such a strawman bro.

We don't hear that "every draft is terrible." Nobody said last year was terrible. Nobody said the year before was terrible.

Marks is not going to magically pull high end talent out of a bad draft. Its not happening.

Every draft analyst thinks this draft lacks high end talent for a reason. They're not just making it up.

And even if we managed to pull out a really good player its highly unlikely he can provide wha Levert can this year or even the year after.

Crawford sucks, why would we even waste a roster spot on him?