For the second time in three years, the Nets enter the NBA Draft without any picks. That could change between now and Wednesday night, though.
To recap, the Nets' first-round pick was traded to the Rockets - now the No. 3 overall pick - as part of the James Harden deal. Their second-round pick - at No. 38 - also was traded to Houston in another deal but was flipped to the Grizzlies last season in a deal that sent Steven Adams to the Rockets.
Yet that doesn't mean the Nets will be silent during the two-day draft. Multiple reports indicated they're looking to trade into the first round. The Nets' war chest of future assets gives them plenty of options after a 50-loss season and missing the playoffs for the first time since 2018.
They have seven future first-round picks and 11 second-round picks between 2025-30. Three of those first-round picks come from the Suns in 2025, 2027 and 2029, thanks to trading Kevin Durant in 2023.
The Nets also could try to trade Dorian Finney-Smith, someone they've involved in talks since last summer. However, the Nets don't have a pressing need to jump into this draft.
Analysts have long said it's low on depth and star power. Also, do the Nets need to add more youth on a team with five players currently 23 or younger?
Three were drafted last year and could contend for more playing time next season. Jalen Wilson and Noah Clowney both showed promise in limited roles. Dariq Whitehead is coming off shin surgery - his third procedure in two years - but could be healthy to play in next month's NBA Summer League.
It's another reason the Nets should focus more on free agency, which begins next week. The first priority remains re-signing center Nic Claxton, who could fetch a contract worth at least $20 million per year.
Should Claxton stay, the Nets have 12 players under contract. That includes Keita Bates-Diop, who exercised his $2.65 million player option this week, per The Athletic. But it also means the Nets have just three open roster spots.
They need another point guard to create better shots and be insurance with Ben Simmons' injury history. The Nets also need more shooting. But rather than add more youth, perhaps they can find better help in free agency.
If they're trying to trade into the draft, it further sends a message that 2024-25 could be a rebuilding season. It's not a surprise since new coach Jordi Fernandez has emphasized player development among his core tenets.
But it reminds that the Nets' 2025 offseason feels more promising for change. They'll have around $60 million in space assuming they re-sign Claxton. They'll be free from Simmons' gargantuan contract as he's owed $40.3 million next season.
A draft trade makes this plan even more evident. It's fine but it reminds fans to think longterm instead of merely hope for a playoff or play-in berth next season.
It's also why re-signing Claxton is more important. The next two days could be intriguing if the Nets trade into the draft but it's not as crucial as what they do in free agency to upgrade the roster.