The Brooklyn Nets, despite a notable victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, faced a setback when they allowed the Los Angeles Clippers to score 22 unanswered points in their subsequent game. This defeat adds to a trend of poor performance for the Nets over the past few months. While they started the season strongly, with a 12-9 record and a +3.6 net rating, the subsequent 21 games saw them go 5-16 with a net rating of -6.6, placing them among the teams with the worst performance in that period.
The team’s current standing at 17-25 and tenth place in the Eastern Conference raises questions about their approach to the upcoming NBA trade deadline. Although the Nets have been considered a potential destination for high-profile players due to their accumulated draft picks, their current position suggests a more pragmatic strategy of selling assets. Two players, in particular, stand out as potential trade candidates before the 2024 trade deadline.
Dorian Finney-Smith, acquired in the Kyrie Irving trade last season, has been a reliable three-and-D player for the Nets, especially showcasing a career-high 38.6% three-point shooting this season. While he has two years left on his contract, making a trade not obligatory, his value as a defender makes him an attractive asset for contending teams. Despite the difficulty in securing a first-round pick, acquiring multiple second-round picks could be a sensible move for the Nets as they look to accumulate assets for the future.
Royce O’Neale, a player with a similar style to Finney-Smith, is another candidate for a potential trade. O’Neale has a strong track record as a shooter, boasting a 38% career three-point shooting average. However, his contract expires after this season, and with a slightly lower salary than Finney-Smith, trading him becomes financially feasible for the Nets. Considering their non-contender status, it would be logical for the Nets to explore trading O’Neale to avoid losing him in free agency and possibly acquire valuable assets, such as second-round picks. Overall, both Finney-Smith and O’Neale emerge as players worth monitoring as the Nets navigate the trade deadline.
Leave a Reply