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Brooklyn Nets’ Salary Cap, Free Agents This Summer

By Zack Collura

NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 29: Dave Wohl (L), general manager of the Los Angeles Clippers, speaks with Sean Marks, general manager of the Brooklyn Nets during the Leaders Sport Performance Summit on August 29, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images for Leaders)
NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 29: Dave Wohl (L), general manager of the Los Angeles Clippers, speaks with Sean Marks, general manager of the Brooklyn Nets during the Leaders Sport Performance Summit on August 29, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images for Leaders) /
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The Brooklyn Nets are projected to enter the summer with the eighth most cap space in the NBA this offseason. They’ll have five impending free agents, as well as three draft picks in in June.

This NBA offseason is loaded with speculation. With Chris Paul and Paul George hitting the open market, LeBron James’ potentially opting out of his player option, and plenty of other big name players seeking new deals (not to mention potential trades), we could be seeing one of the most active summers in recent memory. Where does that leave the Brooklyn Nets ?

The  team might not be in the market for the top players, but they’ll have some money to spend:

Projected Cap Space, 2018-2019: $16, 680, 449

Rank: 8th most cap space in the NBA

Not accounting for cap holds, the Nets have the 8th most money to spend this offseason, according to Spotrac. It isn’t enough to land a max contract free agent (unless they get creative), but it gives the team options. First and foremost, they’ll look to their impending free agents:

Unrestricted Free Agents: Jahlil Okafor, Joe Harris, Quincy Acy, Dante Cunningham

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Restricted Free Agents: Nik Stauskas

Joe Harris is a name that stands out here. He improved his play significantly this season, and will no doubt attract some attention on the open market for his shooting acumen. He was the team’s best shooter this season, and made huge strides in every aspect of his game.

Otherwise, it’s hard to tell how many of these players the team will keep around. Neither Nik Stauskas nor Jahlil Okafor earned big minutes after the Nets traded for them. Quincy Acy and  earned steady minutes, and could be back. Same with Dante Cunningham, who the team traded for at the deadline.

Rookie Extensions?

Beyond players entering free agency this summer, the Nets can start thinking about 2019 this summer. Namely, with rookie extensions. Both Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and D’Angelo Russell will be restricted free agents next offseason, and are eligible for an extension. Considering they’ll be restricted, there isn’t exactly urgency, but the team can begin negotiations this offseason. Spencer Dinwiddie will be an unrestricted free agent next offseason. This offseason should shed light on who the Nets view as their cornerstone players.

Next: Kenny Atkinson talks draft, next steps