Entering the off-season, the Nets had a different approach than past seasons. Starting in 2027, the NBA Draft Lottery will include 16 teams instead of 14. The worst three teams will have slightly lower chances of getting the first pick, and they are guaranteed to pick no later than 12th. The NBA is also adding stricter rules to stop teams from purposely losing games to get better draft picks. Because of these new rules, the Nets decided to take a different route. Over the off-season, Sean Marks and Jordi Fernández began to build the roster around pure talent rather than planning for the future. Brooklyn mainly focused on adding veteran leadership, continuing to develop young players, finding more scoring/playmaking, and maintaining long-term flexibility. With Nets fans hoping to maybe earn a play-in spot, it begs the question, did Brooklyn actually improve?

Julius Randle Trade

Grade: A-

Brooklyn Nets receive:

• Julius Randle
• 2026 No. 28 pick

Chicago Bulls receive:

• Nic Claxton

Minnesota Timberwolves receive:

• Mo Gueye
• 2026 No. 33 pick

Acquiring Randle immediately gives the Nets proven veteran scoring. In the past, Randle has proved that he is a true scorer and a winning player. Despite the controversy surrounding him, Randle was able to drag the Knicks to the playoffs in 2021 and 2023. He also played a big role in the Timberwolves past two playoff runs as the second second option behind Anthony Edwards. He immediately becomes the center of Brooklyn’s offense in a system that was dysfunctional last season. Randle provides experience in a team full of young players, it is very important to surround young stars with experienced players to guide them for their future. With Brooklyn being statistically the youngest team in the league, this move makes sense for the Nets future. This move also raises the floor of the Nets this season and gives the Nets hopes to earn a play in spot.

Giving up Nic Claxton was a huge loss on the defensive end due to his elite athleticism and rim protection. Claxton has been with Brooklyn since 2019 when they drafted him at pick 31. Over the past 7 seasons he has been one of the most efficient bigs in the league and has been loyal to the Nets organization. Claxton has always been one of the Nets most valuable trade assets and was bound to be moved at some point.

Taking all of this into account, this move marks a significant step forward for the Nets as they look to reestablish themselves as a competitive team in the Eastern Conference. Rather than continuing to rebuild, the Brooklyn front office seems ready to push toward winning basketball.

Mo Wagner Signing

Grade: B-

Moritz Wagner is an energetic stretch big man know for his perimeter shooting and spark off the bench. The main reason for adding Mo Wagner to the roster was to make up for the size that was lost from trading away Nic Claxton. There is one issue with this signing though, everything that Wagner brings to the table is the polar opposite of Claxton. Although they are the same height, Wagner is a below average rebounder for his size and also a poor defender. This is exactly what the Nets should be looking for if they intend to replace Claxton. Although nontraditional big men are becoming more common in the modern NBA, success at the center position still requires fundamental big-man skills.

Al though there are some holes in his game, Wagner still provides perimeter shooting and physicality that Brooklyn needs on the court considering how many guards they have. Overall, it’s up to Jordi Fernández to decide if Mo Wagner will get the opportunity to contribute to winning basketball.

Keon Ellis Signing

Grade: A

Keon Ellis is the exact type of guard that the Nets needed. With most of their guards being offensive minded and poor perimeter defenders, Ellis is the exact opposite. Keon Ellis is a defensive-minded guard who adds perimeter pressure and possess elite athleticism Ellis perfectly fits the team’s attempt to become more disruptive defensively. Keon brings a point of attack on defense and has the ability to send an entire offensive system into shambles while he’s on the court. Ellis is the staple role player with his only limitations being shot creation and the inability to be the primary ball handler.

This makes him the perfect fit for the Nets, as Julius Randle and Michael Porter Jr. already take on the primary scoring load. Additionally, with three primary ball-handling guards on the roster, Keon Ellis can focus on his strengths, particularly his defense, perimeter shooting, and ability to contribute without needing the ball in his hands. Signing Keon for only 18 million dollars was one of the best signings in the league this off-season. Although he has not gotten the minutes he deserves in his career so far, Brooklyn is the ideal team for him to succeed.

Drafted Mikel Brown Jr.

Grade: B+

Mikel Brown Jr. is the type of prospect the Nets had to take a chance on with the No. 6 overall pick. Brown brings tremendous offensive upside as a modern-day point guard who can shoot the three from well-beyond the three point line, create his own shot, and make plays with his impressive court vision. His confidence and shot-creation ability are rare for such a young player, giving Brooklyn another potential backcourt creator who fits the team’s long-term timeline. With Julius Randle and Michael Porter Jr. getting older and will not be part of the team’s future forever, adding a young guard with Brown’s potential gives the Nets another building block to develop.

However, Brown’s game still has some clear areas for improvement. His shot selection can be questionable at times, and his tendency to turn the ball over was a problem last year as he averaged three turnovers per game during his freshman season at Louisville. Additionally, his slim build could make him a defensive liability against stronger NBA guards. The biggest question is how quickly his offensive skill set can translate to the NBA level. His injury history is another concern, as he missed significant time during his freshman season at Louisville playing 21 out of the 35 possible games. Despite that, Brown still averaged an impressive 18.2 points and 4.7 assists over the 21 games he played. Ultimately, Mikel Brown Jr. is a high-upside prospect with the potential to become one of the best young guards in the league, but his ability to stay healthy will determine whether the Nets’ gamble with the No. 6 pick pays off.

Drafted Joshua Jefferson

Grade: B

This pick was surprise to many Nets fans considering the available players at pick 28. Specifically Koa Peat and Alex Karaban who were the next 2 picks to end the 1st round. In his senior season at Iowa State, Jefferson showcased his defensive versatility and quickness for his size. Jefferson averaged 16.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 4,8 assists, filling the stat sheet. With Brooklyn acquiring 2 centers over the off-season, a stretch 4 like Jefferson would be very beneficial for their defense. Even with his upside, it will still be difficult for Jordi Fernández to find minutes for him with all of the young talent the Nets posses. Additionally, Jefferson could earn more playing time by developing a more reliable jump shot.

Drafted Tyler Bilodeau

Grade: B-

The Nets selecting Tyler Bilodeau with the 43rd pick gives Brooklyn another player who can help improve their shooting. In his senior season at UCLA, Bilodeau averaged 17.6 points and 5.6 rebounds while shooting 46.4% from 3-point range. His ability to score from different areas of the floor could be very beneficial for the Nets, especially with his potential to become a reliable floor spacer. Additionally, Bilodeau has improved his 3-point shooting every season in college, which is a good sign for his development. Even with his offensive skills, it will still be difficult for him to find consistent minutes with all the young talent the Nets possess. His biggest weakness is his defense, as he could struggle against quicker players and stronger big men. Despite his shooting ability, Bilodeau will need to improve defensively to become a reliable player in Brooklyn’s rotation.

Resigned Day’ron Sharpe

Grade: A

The Nets re-signing Day’Ron Sharpe was an important move following Nic Claxton’s departure. Sharpe brings rebounding, physicality, and energy to Brooklyn’s frontcourt. With Claxton gone, Sharpe could have a much bigger role on the team next season. Additionally, bringing Sharpe back allows the Nets to develop a younger center instead of spending money on an expensive veteran. Even with his strengths as a rebounder, Sharpe will need to improve defensively if he wants to take on a bigger role. Specifically, he will need to show that he can protect the rim and defend at a high level to help make up for Claxton’s departure. Overall, re-signing Sharpe gives Brooklyn some stability at center, but his defense will be important moving forward.