Pre-Draft Outlook
A third straight season with at least 50 losses led to a second straight disappointing result in the 2026 Draft Lottery. The Nets didn’t necessarily strike out in last year’s draft, but none of the five players they selected in the first round was an All-Rookie candidate or a clear future starter on a playoff team. There are some useful veterans on this roster, but no franchise cornerstone.
The Way to Go
It seems doubtful, but if there’s any way the Nets can trade into the top four of the Draft, they should go for it, because they need to find a player with the highest ceiling possible. If they remain at six, they’re probably looking at a group of freshmen guards that includes Darius Acuff Jr., Mikel Brown Jr., Brayden Burries and Keaton Wagler. The Nets can also use their cap space for more high-ceiling shopping and asset collection.
— John Schuhmann
Under Contract
G: Egor Dëmin
G: Ben Saraf
G: Nolan Traore
G/F: Terance Mann
G/F: Drake Powell
F: Michael Porter Jr.
F: Danny Wolf
F/C: Noah Clowney
C: Nic Claxton
Free agents
G: Ochai Agbaji
G: Tyson Etienne
G: Malachi Smith
G/F: Chaney Johnson
F: E.J. Liddell
F: Josh Minott
F: Ziaire Williams
F: Jalen Wilson
C: Day’Ron Sharpe