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.
2. Eric Bledsoe
The Bucks are in a strange place, and it could be Advantage Nets.
With another disappointing playoff showing for the Milwaukee Bucks, change is inevitable for that organization. Ownership will likely do whatever they can to keep back-to-back MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo happy, and that means bringing in fresh blood. One guy who very likely is on the way out is starting point guard Eric Bledsoe.
The former Kentucky Wildcat is coming off a year where he averaged 15 points, 5.4 assists, and a steal a game as the Bucks’ third option. While Bledsoe is more than capable of hitting open 3s, he’s made his career as an elite slasher and finisher. In addition to his offensive skillset, Bledsoe is an absolute pest defensively. The 30-year-old is an absolute nightmare when guarding the ball, and is always looking to jump a passing lane to start a fast break.
With Kyrie Irving already solidified as the starting point guard, Bledsoe would probably become a sixth man for Brooklyn, should the Nets decide to trade for him. However, Bledsoe is more than capable of playing alongside another point guard, a feat he accomplished in Milwaukee with George Hill.
Bledsoe just inked a new deal in the summer of 2019. But as far as starting point guards go, his $17.5 million dollar contract is more than affordable for Brooklyn to take on. Like the Aaron Gordon deal, the Bucks would most likely want a return package that included either Caris LeVert or Spencer Dinwiddie, as well as a draft pick. If the Nets decide to trade for him, Bledsoe could add some defensive grittiness to a team that definitely could use it.
1. Eric Gordon
The Nets could obtain a secret weapon in Eric Gordon.
The least flashy name on this list, Eric Gordon is still an absolute weapon offensively. While his numbers this past season aren’t as great as they once were, Gordon dealt with injuries all year, managing to only play in 36 games. The 12th-year man was still able to score over 14 points a game, albeit on a career-low 37% from the field.
It’s easy to get caught up in recency bias, though, because Gordon has shown throughout his career that he’s better than how he played last season. The former Indiana Hoosier has shot over 37% from 3 while in the NBA, and can easily slide into any system or scheme.
This why he could be a great addition to a Brooklyn team that should always be looking to add shooting. With Joe Harris entering unrestricted free agency, as much as they might want him back, the Nets could be in the market for a catch-and-shoot specialist. Gordon fits this description to a T. While Irving or Durant command all the defensive attention from opponents, Gordon can be absolutely lethal if forgotten about. He’s shown that throughout his career, playing with stars like James Harden or Anthony Davis.
Compared to the other two guys on this list, the Nets could definitely get Eric Gordon for a lot less. The Rockets may only ask for a draft pick or a rotational piece in return, a price the Nets should be very willing to pay. Gordon is on a similar deal to that of the both Bledsoe and Aaron Gordon, but with the possibility of bringing a championship to Brooklyn, the Nets will do whatever they can to add talent around their two stars.