Nets Trade for Two Draft Picks and Veteran Scorer

The Nets have a knack for making trades just before the draft, and this year is no exception. They’ve added two picks, No. 28 and No. 33, by trading Julius Randle and Nic Claxton in a three-team deal.

With significant cap space, the Nets took the opportunity to bring on Randle, who’s a two-time All-NBA forward and three-time All-Star. This also means they might be switching from the top of the second round to the bottom of the first, which could pave the way for Dayron Sharpe to step into a starting role.

This trade, initially reported by ESPN, will become official on July 6. General Manager Sean Marks sent Claxton to Chicago, where the Bulls are looking to utilize their cap space to sign a center. The Nets will keep their No. 6 overall pick, likely targeting a lead guard, while also taking on picks No. 28 and No. 43.

Randle, standing at 6 feet 9 and weighing 250 pounds, just signed a three-year, $100 million contract with Minnesota last year. The Timberwolves were eager to clear cap space to re-sign guard Ayo Dosunmu, and now, Randle is returning to New York after five years at the Garden.

Last season, Michael Porter Jr. bore the weight of being the Nets’ only consistent scorer. Randle had an average of 21.1 points and 6.7 rebounds across 79 games.

Currently, Randle is making $33.3 million this season, with a player option worth $35.8 million for next season. This raises Brooklyn’s salary by $13 million. Notably, they still have about $20.2 million in cap space available and another $9.4 million in mid-level space for future moves.

Brooklyn is rich in draft assets, with 15 first-round picks through 2033, including two in this draft.

As they prepare for the draft, players like Mikel Brown from Louisville, Keaton Wagler from Illinois, and Darius Acuff Jr. from Arkansas remain potential targets for the Nets. There’s a chance that Brown will need to tone down his risk-taking style; however, he’s had at least three meetings and one workout with the Nets, which is promising.

“Definitely, I’ve built relationships there,” Brown noted. He mentioned being in contact with GM Marks and Coach Jordi Fernández about the importance of connection if he’s picked.

Having multiple first-round guards from last year doesn’t seem to deter their pursuit of additional talent. Bobby Marks, a former assistant GM, pointed out they rank 6th in value and could make the most of their cap space through trades instead of new contracts. Acuff has also been practicing with the Nets, although there are some defensive concerns about him.

Wagler’s workout schedule changed, as he had initially planned to work out with the Bulls and Clippers. “I felt I knew where I stood, so I didn’t need additional training,” he commented.

Brown expressed his excitement about possibly joining the Nets. “It would mean a lot. It’s a big city with a lot of big-time players,” he shared. He aims to focus on winning, staying calm and grounded about the whole process.

There are other prospects like Zubby Ejiofor from St. John’s, Dayline Swain from Texas, and Chris Cenac Jr. from Houston that could also be in the mix for the No. 28 pick, each conveying a desire to represent the vibrant energy of New York.