The Brooklyn Nets and the Golden State Warriors are reportedly finalizing a trade deal. The Nets will trade guard Dennis Schroder to the Warriors along with a future second pick in exchange for De’Anthony Melton, three future second picks, and rookie Reece Beekman.
Possible Nets Firesale Underway After First Major Trade
Once finalized, this trade will fully start the Nets’ rebuilding process. The Nets’ mission going into the season was to play tough and aggressive. However, rumors have loomed over the team, and now it seems that shadow is finally taking shape, with the team making its first move in the trade market. Ultimately, this move singles a Nets firesale that has been rumored for weeks.
Clearing Cap Space
Rumors have swirled for weeks about the Nets entering a full rebuild by trading away players. Nets’ general manager Sean Marks and owner Joe Tsai never mentioned a rebuild to the media. Nevertheless, speculation arose due to expiring contracts and frequent mock trades involving championship-contending teams. Additionally, after trading Mikal Bridges this offseason, a Nets rebuild was widely expected.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst noted that the Nets could go into the summer of 2025 with a cap of about $70 million. This is if they end up trading away Ben Simmons and Bojan Bogdanovic. Once the Schroder deal is finalized, the Nets will have cleared some money off their books, initiating their cap space for the 2025 offseason.
Hustle and Loyalty
This season, Schroder is averaging 18.4 points per game, adding significant minutes and veteran leadership. Schroder is a crafty playmaker and three-level scorer. Furthermore, Schroder brings hustle and loyalty every time he steps on the court. After this trade, Schroder will be on his eighth team in 12 seasons. Amid trade rumors, Schroder told Brian Lewis of the New York Post:
“I’m doing my job every day & I’m always professional about it, always going to make the most of it…whatever happens, happens. I understand its a business.”
Schroder to the Warriors
Going into the season, the Nets were not expected to win many games. By joining the Warriors, Schroder would be moving to a championship-contending team. Shams Charania noted that the Warriors plan to start Schroder next to Steph Curry and add depth to the backcourt. The deal was first reported on during the afternoon of Saturday, December 14th. However, the deal will be made official on Sunday, December 15th. This is because the trade restrictions on Melton will lift on that date. Unfortunately, Melton is out for the season due to an ACL injury.
What’s Next For the Nets?
With the Schroder being dealt, it begs the question: what’s next for the Nets? Schroder has been one of their best players this season; as a result, trading him singles, they aren’t done making moves. The team is rumored to be cleaning house and making their entire roster available for trade. The players the team will likely consider trading next are Ben Simmons, Dorian Finney-Smith, Bojan Bogdanovic, and Cam Johnson. All of these players would be valuable pieces on contending teams.
Overall, the Nets have a promising future with the upcoming draft and the cap space they can use in the upcoming offseason. Brooklyn will now officially enter rebuild mode, aiming to land a top pick in the Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper sweepstakes. Teams around the league will have to pay a significant price to give the Nets what they want. Regardless, all signs point to the Nets doubling down on this rebuild and trading more win-now pieces.
