Nets: Sean Marks expects more big moves to go down in 2021
By Mike Luciano
The Brooklyn Nets have built one of the most fearsome teams in the league thanks to Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving all suiting up, and the lion’s share of the credit for that can be given to GM Sean Marks, who turned this team from a bottom-feeder into a contender.
The Nets might’ve had to say goodbye to players like Jeff Green and Spencer Dinwiddie, but the addition of some standouts like veteran point guard Patty Mills and expert perimeter defender DeAndre’ Bembry looks like promising moves. Retaining Blake Griffin and Bruce Brown were non-negotiables, and Marks got it done.
After a crushing postseason loss to the Bucks in which Harden and Irving were hampered by injuries, Marks needed to make sure that their gaping holes didn’t end up getting any bigger. Not only did he pass that test with flying colors, but he set the Nets up well for what could be a very busy middle of the season this year.
Marks did declare this offseason successful by hinting that the Nets checked many of the boxes they were looking to before this process started. However, he still thinks there is more work to be done, and he teased fans by hinting that all of the needs will finally be addressed after the trade deadline.
Sean Marks on the Nets’ offseason: “I think we addressed a lot of our needs. I don’t think we’ll address all our needs until after the trade deadline.”
— Kristian Winfield (@Krisplashed) August 11, 2021
Sean Marks hinted at some big moves for the Brooklyn Nets.
One matter that is weighing heavily on the minds of Nets fans is the status of Irving and Harden, who both could be in line for massive extensions given Durant’s deal and Joe Tsai’s willingness to dip very deep into the luxury tax in order to build a winner.
Marks has stated that he is confident that he can get extension talks worked out with Irving and Harden, who would form two-thirds of one of the most unstoppable trios of offensive talent we’ve seen in the game, in the near future. Durant is already locked in until 2027, and Harden and Irving will likely follow him if Marks can hammer out a deal.
Durant might be the oldest of the trio, but he is about to sign a deal just under $200 million for four seasons. Given that confluence of circumstances, expect Harden and Irving to get deals that are least in that vicinity. This would keep the Nets’ core intact for most of the decade.
Sean Marks is “confident” that he can get Brooklyn's "Big 3" under contract long-term by training camp.
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 11, 2021
Durant has already extended. Talks with Irving and Harden are underway pic.twitter.com/fER7oJD6X0
The Nets have some holes that Marks could try to patch up with some deadline deals, even though he surrendered control of his draft to Houston for most of the next decade. Perhaps a new rim protector or stretch power forward to replace Jeff Green could be added?
The Nets weren’t deterred from adding players like Griffin and LaMarcus Aldridge after their buyout, so Marks has shown a willingness to bring in more veteran help despite their already solid core. If a team starts to float out of the postseason picture, Marks will undoubtedly be on the phone.
Assuming that rookies like Day’Ron Sharpe start to develop, the only thing that Brooklyn would really be missing in a way that requires an immediate upgrade is their lack of a 3-and-D wing. With enough young players and salaries to throw around without destabilizing the rotation, the Nets could easily add one at the deadline.
Part of what made Marks able to turn Brooklyn around so quickly was the fact that he was always looking for wars to tinker with the roster and make moves without draft picks. With Milwaukee and Philadelphia improving around them, the Nets need to make sure they are constantly out in front of their rivals.
