The NBA Draft is upon us... after an earthquake shook NetsWorld.
BREAKING: The Brooklyn Nets have agreed in principle on a trade to send F Mikal Bridges to the New York Knicks for Bojan Bogdanovic, four unprotected first-round picks, a protected first-round pick via Bucks, an unprotected pick swap and a second-rounder, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/TEGsIpoa3b
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 26, 2024
After a move like that, there’s no saying what the Nets will do on Draft Night, but at this rate we’d expect them to find a way in.
A few notes on things to look for...
- As of Tuesday night, Pacome Dadiet is the highest prospect that we know has been in for a workout. The 6’8” French wing who played in the German League last season is currently mocked at the end of the first round, beginning of the second.
- It is possible if not likely that the Nets could come away with two picks. The Nets have plenty of assets to make moves. (See below)
- There are a number of team at the bottom of the first round who may very well want to get out of the first round and guaranteed contracts because they are near aprons or thresholds. Jake Fischer identified Phoenix at No. 22, New York at No. 25, Minnesota at No. 27, Utah at No. 29, and Boston with No. 30 as teams weighing various trade scenarios. The Knicks who are trying to conserve cap space has two picks at Nos. 24 and 25.
- The Nets have a lot of assets that they can use to acquire picks, including 11 future firsts (seven of which can be traded) and 10 seconds. They acquired three seconds at the deadline in the Royce O’Neale trade. They also have $7 million in cash considerations available and a number of small contracts plus four trade exceptions that can be broken in pieces if need be.
- In addition to draft picks, the Nets will be looking to get agreements for training camp contracts, aka Exhibits 9 and 10, as well as two-way deals. We will start to get word of agreements from undrafted players as the second round ends late on Thursday afternoon. (The second round won’t be long: 28 picks with no more than four minutes between picks.)
- Beyond the draft, pundits note the Nets have the flexibility to move any direction they choose, whether adding players or future picks. But at this time, it appears they are still targeting a year from now when they could have as much as $80 million in cap space ... and worries about the repeater tax.
***
WHEN: 8 PM ET
WHERE: ESPN. Live at Barclays Center.
Be sure to follow NetsDaily’s Lucas Kaplan and Anthony Puccio as they cover firsthand.