{"id":73276,"date":"2024-04-14T20:49:00","date_gmt":"2024-04-15T00:49:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=73276"},"modified":"2024-04-14T20:49:00","modified_gmt":"2024-04-15T00:49:00","slug":"nets-spark-plugs-open-up-impending-free-agency","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/04\/14\/nets-spark-plugs-open-up-impending-free-agency\/","title":{"rendered":"Nets Spark Plugs Open Up About Impending Free Agency"},"content":{"rendered":"

With major changes ahead for the Brooklyn Nets, the only player that may be guaranteed a roster spot next season is Mikal Bridges<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Earlier this season, rumors surfaced about the Nets\u2019 intention to move forward with Bridges as a foundational piece. Yet, it\u2019s possible that even he could be moved. After being severely impacted by teams highlighting him<\/a> in their scouting reports, it\u2019s hard to imagine he\u2019s untouchable in trade talks.<\/p>\n

Regardless of their trade market intentions, several rotation players also set to be free agents.<\/p>\n

Chief among them is Nic Claxton<\/a>, a lithe center that\u2019s become a defensive lynchpin in Brooklyn. Claxton has averaged 12.3 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game over the past two seasons. Ninth in Defensive Player of the Year voting last season, the Nets are rumored to want him back<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Former first-round picks Dennis Smith Jr.<\/a> and Lonnie Walker IV<\/a> will be free agents this season as well. Though they had a larger role under Jacque Vaughn, Brooklyn may bring them back.<\/p>\n

In the case of Smith, Brooklyn\u2019s point guard depth will be always be questionable with oft-injured Ben Simmons<\/a> on the roster. Smith isn\u2019t much of a shooter himself, making just 29.4 percent of his 3s this season. However, be brings energy and experience both on the court and in the locker room.<\/p>\n

Lonnie Walker IV, Trendon Watford Open Up About Impending Free Agency<\/h2>\n

Walker may be more likely to leave<\/a> in free agency than Smith, especially if the Nets take the interim tag off head coach Kevin Ollie. At this point, it appears that Brooklyn will be heading in a different direction<\/a>. To that point, a coach like Mike Budenholzer may better appreciate Walker\u2019s efficiency from beyond the arc. In 2023-24, Walker shot 38.4 percent from deep. That could be enough to earn him another contract with the Nets.<\/p>\n

Asked by ClutchPoints reporter Erik Slater what he\u2019s prioritizing in free agency, Walker says he\u2019s \u201cjust looking for a home\u2026 Just looking for a team that finds me valuable. [I want to be] an important piece for a team that can consistently play\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

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Asked Lonnie Walker what he\u2019s looking for in free agency:<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m just looking for a home\u2026 Just looking for a team that finds me valuable. [I want to be] an important piece for a team that can consistently play\u2026 We\u2019ll see how things go.\u201d pic.twitter.com\/QfAn3dPhx8<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Erik Slater (@erikslater_) April 14, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n