The Brooklyn Nets season came to an end on Saturday following the team’s loss to the 76ers. Following the disappointing end to the year, Brooklyn is in an interesting position moving forward.
With a mixture of young players, assets, and seasoned veterans, Sean Marks will have decisions to make about the future of the roster. The GM can either initiate a rebuild or look to retool a team that made the playoffs. If Marks did choose to retool, the Nets would be in the perfect position to bring an All-Star to Brooklyn.
A talent such as Damian Lillard could be an interesting name to watch. But what it would cost the organization to acquire the star is the main question.
What it may take for the Nets to land Damian Lillard
Damian Lillard is arguably one of the best players in the league. The All-Star’s situation has been a hot topic for a couple of seasons, but with Portland’s inability to put a contending team around the guard, Lillard’s status with the Trail Blazers is up in the air.
The 32-year-old is coming off a career year, averaging 32.2 points, 7.3 assists, and 4.3 rebounds across 58 games. Despite his impressive season, Portland still found themselves on the outside looking in. Lillard may look for a change of scenery as his desire to win continues to build.
Lillard has also made it known his interest in the Nets young duo of Mikal Bridges and Cam Thomas. The guard even went as far as saying that Bridges was his favorite small forward in the league. Not to mention Lillard’s appearance at Barclays Center to support his close friend Bridges in Game 3 of the team’s first-round series.
If the superstar were to consider other options, it’s only fair to believe that the Nets would be an ideal fit.
Mikal Bridges when asked if he knew Damian Lillard would be attending Game 3:
— Erik Slater (@erikslater_) April 23, 2023
"I know people."
Cam Johnson said he knows Lillard and Bridges "are close."
The Nets managed to receive a haul in draft compensation with the team’s in-season trades of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. With a variety of future draft picks, veteran wings, and young talent such as Cam Thomas, Brooklyn could very well put together a package to entice the Trail Blazers to move off the star’s contract if Lillard were to ask out. Despite his massive contract of around $78.2 million over the next two seasons, owner Joe Tsai has made it clear he will pay the right stars to build a contending team.
With an NBA executive acknowledging the steep contract of Lillard, it’s mentioned that Ben Simmons is a clear starting point for a potential trade.
"“The picks they have coming in aren’t great. It would probably take Ben Simmons’ contract to make the numbers work, but you’d have to attach picks to him on top of the picks you need for Lillard.” -NBA Executive (via HoopsHype)"
In a hypothetical trade package, Brooklyn could send Ben Simmons, Royce ONeale, and Cam Thomas along with draft compensation to make Lillard a Net.
If the Nets were able to bring in Lillard’s type of talent, the franchise market may lure other big names. Brooklyn could look to put their name back on the map with hopes of contending for a championship.