Though they were viewed by many as being one of the most "interesting" teams to watch heading into this year's trade deadline, ultimately, the Brooklyn Nets opted to stay reletively intact at the February 8 cutoff, partaking in a select few, small-scale deals in exchange for salary flexibility and future draft capital.
Of course, considering they're a mere 21-35 on the season and still don't hold the rights to several of their upcoming first-round picks, the club's inactivity seemed to have rubbed fans and media pundits the wrong way, and the folks at Bleacher Report recently ripped the front office for their lackluster decision making.
However, though the Nets remained largely intact following the deadline, this is not to say that they plan to run things back exactly as constructed come 2024-25. In fact, in a recent piece penned by Hoops Hype's Michael Scotto, the NBA Insider revealed what he feels to be the organization's plan heading into the offseason.
NBA Inside shared thoughts on possible 'ultimate' plan for Nets
"There seems to be this false narrative out there that the Brooklyn Nets are building around Mikal Bridges as the No. 1 option. While Bridges is certainly a part of the core, and I’d include Cam Johnson and Nic Claxton – who, again, the Nets want to re-sign in unrestricted free agency – the ultimate plan is to add another star or two around Bridges via trade or free agency while Bridges is on a team-friendly contract for the next two seasons. "Michael Scotto
Mikal Bridges: “I wasn’t raised when things get tough to want to leave and get out. I know people might want to think about different situations and teams. Obviously, I’ve got my boys over there in New York, so everybody goes with that.”
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) February 21, 2024
“I’m here now and want to stay here.” pic.twitter.com/u5HbcNyBXC
Though reports had begun to surface suggesting the Nets could land as many as four first-round picks in a hypothetical trade involving the likes of Bridges, with Scotto even noting before the deadline that the Rockets had offered to give Brooklyn their picks back that were acquired in the 2021 James Harden blockbuster, based on their decisions made it's evident that Marks and company wish to hold onto the forward's services for the long haul.
Fortunately enough, it appears Bridges is interested in remaining in tow moving forward as well.
As far as who the Nets could look to target in an effort to add "another star or two," there could potentially be several names to keep an eye on heading into the summer, with perhaps the most notable talents found linked to the team in recent months being Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young and Cleveland Cavaliers centerpiece, Donovan Mitchell.
While the 2023-24 regular season may not be shaping up to be all that entertaining for fans of the franchise, this coming offseason could prove to be a major joyride.