Brooklyn Nets will probably be weak, but that’s on purpose

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – MARCH 21: Cameron Johnson #2 of the Brooklyn Nets scores a point with a dunk during … (+) second half of the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on March 21, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTICE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that by downloading and/or using this photograph, user agrees to the terms of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)

Getty photos

Despite having six players on the team who will earn more than $13 million in the 2024-2025 season, the Brooklyn Nets are unlikely to finish high in the Eastern Conference.

(According to FanDuel, the Nets, like the Pistons and Wizards, have the best chance of finishing last in the Eastern Conference, underscoring how tough the upcoming season could be for them.)

But before the organization falls into ruin with low chances and expectations, let’s acknowledge that this is, in a sense, intentional.

The organization wasn’t going anywhere despite having Mikal Bridges on the team. With multiple teams interested in the 6’7 forward, the Nets realized it was time to make a deal and did so to optimize the return centered around their draft picks.

As such, their long-term plan is currently on track. But that doesn’t mean this season won’t be a tough one to get through, or that the organization hasn’t finished things in any way.

Cameron Johnson, included in the Kevin Durant trade at the 2023 trade deadline, is sure to have a big season. The sharpshooter can play both forward positions and, at 6’8, offers good positional size while also being a capable defender who is willing to move the ball.

Johnson has averaged 14.3 points since moving to Brooklyn, and with him and Cam Thomas expected to become the centerpieces of Brooklyn’s offensive system, those numbers are likely to increase.

Dennis Schröder, the team’s point guard, could also benefit from Bridges’ move to the New York Knicks, as he will be able to take more shots throughout the game.

If both Johnson and Schröder have strong seasons as the Nets approach the 2025 trade deadline, you can expect the team to look to use both players to — once again — acquire new draft picks.

There is also the issue of Ben Simmons and his expiring contract. The Nets could offer teams looking for long-term salary relief a contract that, at $40.3 million, would provide teams with a nice financial cushion.

With the Nets in the early stages of a rebuild, it would make sense to look for long-term funding at the expense of additional draft picks.

Simmons, a former international star, has never really returned to form since injuries took over his career. While he could have a better year than he had last season, it likely won’t be on his current contract. Furthermore, no one knows if Simmons is even interested in staying in the NBA after this season.

Therefore, the team that decides to acquire Simmons will not be trading a player, but a contract.

Dorian Finney-Smith and the aforementioned Thomas could also put up decent numbers, which puts the Nets in an interesting situation.

Most teams with multiple attractive trade pieces usually win, but that’s a far cry from what Brooklyn is looking for this season. However, the market seems willing to ignore team cohesion next season and focus on individual talent instead.

While this won’t make the 2024-2025 season any easier to swallow for fans who will likely see a lackluster product, everything seems to be going according to plan, at least for now.

Unless otherwise stated, all statistics via NBA.pl, PBPS Statistics, Glass cleaning Or Basketball-Reference. All salary information via Spotrac. All chances courtesy of FanDuel Sports Betting.