Nets News: Chasing Kevin Durant & Kyrie Irving-Like Era Is “Fool’s Gold” but $65 Million Update Turns the Tide
The Brooklyn Nets have made the case to land multiple All-Stars next season. But why is that? Well, the Nets are projected to have a cap space of around $65 million next summer. While the Rockets also have the power to pull the same, it’ll depend on whether they decide to continue with Fred VanVleet next summer. Regardless, the Nets are going to be among the top teams to look out for next summer. Multiple players including, Brandon Ingram and Jimmy Butler will likely be Brooklyn’s target next offseason. Are the Nets realistically looking at a remake of the Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving era?
Looking at the numbers, the Nets can bring in some serious talent next year. And not only because of cap space but also because of four potential first-round picks next year. One of these picks is likely to fall in the top 10. Now, reaching the $65 million mark in cap space will require working things out with Johnson. However, if they manage to drive a cap space of around $70 million, Brandon Ingram or Jimmy Butler could be the option.
Ingram is eligible for a 4-year $208 million extension, but the Pelicans have to offer the cheque before June 30th. On the other hand, Butler’s chances of becoming a free agent come from his potential agreement of a max deal with the Heat. If that doesn’t happen he’ll be a free agent next summer, which is the expected outcome. Now, as Bobby Marks said, replaying a Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving scenario would be a “fool’s gold” scenario as the rebuild will take some time.
“This build, do I think it’s going to take time? We’ll be strategic in it. But I do think being in this market, with this amount of draft assets, we’ve done it before. Not that it’s going to be expedited by any means, but I don’t think it’s a long process either.”, said Sean Marks. Rather, it will be the cap space that the Nets should look to capitalize on as they head into the upcoming season. Moreover, this particular season might be the year when the Nets can tank to ensure a higher draft pick next year.
Apart from winning the MIP award, Ingram has been a terrific player for the Pelicans. This past season he averaged 20.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.7 assists, which is less than what he used to put up in recent years. The reason could be that guys like Williamson and McCollum are taking over the scoring aspect. Whereas, Butler averaged 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5 assists this past season. Clearly, the two have produced similar output last season. But it all comes down to how Brooklyn can play things out with their current assets.
The Pelicans are looking at a maximum projected cap space of $90 million next year. With this amount, they can surely add the two, contingent on their extensions with their respective franchises. But this guard and forward can work out if the Nets do go for them next summer. Brooklyn and Houston will be the protagonists for the 2025 offseason. Not only that, but they’ll also play a big role in controlling the draft.
The Nets’ big three, Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden failed quite miserably. And to counter this failure, the front office will take its time. However, the upcoming offseason will play a huge role in the Nets’ future and may just be a game-changer for them. What are your thoughts on the Nets planning on bringing in All-Star level talent next year? Which players do you want to see in Brooklyn? Let us know in the comments.
