With the offseason quickly approaching, it’s time to look at some overlooked players the Nets may look to acquire.
As the Brooklyn Nets move into the offseason, it’s time to start thinking about how this team can improve. With new head coach Steve Nash in tow, GM Sean Marks will likely continue to stay busy, looking to add one or two complementary pieces to his stars Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant. With both guys looking to start next season healthy, the time is now for Brooklyn to compete for a title.
And while there have been rumors of trades for stars Zach LaVine and Jrue Holiday over the last few months, the Nets could also look to shop smaller. Players like LaVine are great for any team, but they also need the ball a ton in order to be effective. That may not be the greatest fit alongside other ball-dominant players like Irving or Durant.
Marks may look to add guys that are best playing off the ball, as well as being forces on the defensive end. Here are three overlooked trade targets that the Nets may look to add in order to capture their first Larry O’Brien Trophy.
3. Aaron Gordon
The Nets could swing a trade with the Magic for Aaron Gordon.
A guy who has long been at the center of trade rumors, Aaron Gordon just finished his sixth season in the NBA. Although his numbers dipped a little this past season, the Magic big man still had a solid season, averaging 14.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, and shooting over 43% from the field. And we all know just how explosive the Arizona product can be when he wants to, putting on a show at All-Star Weekend throughout his career.
What entices me the most about Aaron Gordon is how he fits alongside Kevin Durant. Dating back to his college days, Gordon has always been known as a versatile defender, with the ability to guard multiple positions. This can remove some of the defensive responsibility from Durant, as the duo will be able to switch who they’re defending at any point. They also could be a deadly pair on offense. With Durant’s prowess as a ball handler and a passer, and Gordon’s ability to screen and roll, the two could work wonders in the pick and roll game.
Gordon still has two years and about $34 million left on his contract, so the Nets will have to include someone like Spencer Dinwiddie in any package they send to Orlando. There’s a reason the Magic have yet to deal Gordon, and that’s because they believe he’s worth a decent haul in return. However, if the Nets want him, they have the assets to go out and bring Gordon to Brooklyn.