As the Brooklyn Nets prepare for their first NBA Cup game against the New York Knicks tonight, injuries and trade rumors surround the team. This week, the Nets faced injury concerns involving Ben Simmons, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Nic Claxton. Finney-Smith and Simmons are expected to play tonight. Claxton will miss a week due to a lower back strain and will receive an epidural injection. As rumors swirl, a big question is whether General Manager Sean Marks will push trades at the deadline.
Will Sean Marks Push Nets’ Trades At The Deadline?
Dennis Schroder and Trade Rumors
In recent days, several Nets players have been mentioned in trade discussions. One name that has come up frequently this week is guard Dennis Schroder. In his 12th season, Schroder has had a strong start, averaging 19.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 5.9 assists.
When Brian Lewis of the New York Post asked Schroder about the rumors, he responded,
“I’ve been in the league 12 years, and people have talked about my name in trade talks for 12 years. [And] I’ve been traded twice. So [gossip] is going to happen. They use it as an event where they can promote who is on the block. I don’t really care. But I’ve bought into this system right now because they pay my checks, and I’m doing my job every single day, and I’m always professional about it, always going to make the most out of it. Get one percent better every single day. And whatever happens, happens. I understand it’s a business, but no worries here.”
Sean Marks’ Time in Brooklyn
Marks has been with the team since 2016, experiencing both the highs and lows of the franchise. When Marks took over, he replaced Billy King, who tarnished his legacy by trading multiple first-round picks to the Boston Celtics for Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Jason Terry. Those picks turned out to become Marcus Smart, Jaylen Brown, and Jayson Tatum.
Marks initiated a full rebuild following the aftermath of King’s decisions. From 2016 to 2019, Marks managed the salary cap and assembled the right players for the roster. Despite a first-round playoff exit in 2019, Marks aimed to acquire Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving in the summer of 2019, which he successfully did.
However, from 2019 to 2023, many considered the Nets one of the most tumultuous teams in the NBA due to Irving’s issues on and off the court, James Harden’s brief stint and subsequent departure, and Durant’s trade demands. Marks created a super team that ended in disappointment, as Irving, Harden, and Durant were all traded, and the team failed to reach the Finals.
The Nets Current State
From 2019-2023, the Nets did not reach the Eastern Conference Finals or NBA Finals. Over the summer of 2024, they traded Mikal Bridges to the New York Knicks for five future first-round picks, Bojan Bogdanovic, Mamadi Diakite, and Shake Milton. They also sent Keita Bates-Diop, a second-round pick, and the draft rights to Juan Pablo Vaulet to the Knicks.
Going into tonight’s game, the Nets are 5-7 and in eighth place in the Eastern Conference. Rumors surrounding the team suggest the Nets will trade several players for a second rebuild during the Marks era in Brooklyn. years.
Marks Faces Pressure
If Marks decides to trade players at the deadline to free up cap space, it could benefit the organization. However, it would mean he is overseeing a second rebuild as a general manager. Marks is under significant pressure due to the many distractions and losses the team has endured under his leadership. This is despite recently regaining draft picks.
For now we wait to see if Marks push Nets’ trades at the deadline.
