NFL
The Brooklyn Nets are not where they want to be right now in terms of Eastern Conference standings. But a simple move could change all that. With the NBA trade deadline approaching, the sleeper team to lookout for is the Nets.
After a strong offseason in 2019, the Nets could get even stronger this season. With Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant leading the charge, the Nets’ future looks bright. But who said they can’t start gearing up for next season this year?
While teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, Detroit Pistons, Philadelphia 76ers, and others are either looking to make moves by adding or subtractions, the Nets can clean up. But it will come at a cost.
With the Nets secure in their backcourt with Irving and either Spencer Dinwiddie or Caris LeVert, the Nets can move one of those three (Irving is unlikely) and gain picks or assets. Maybe returning Dinwiddie back to Detroit for a package that includes Andre Drummond is feasible. The Pistons are in dire need of a scoring PG and Dinwiddie, thanks to a rebirth in Brooklyn fits that bill.
As for LeVert, he’s still growing and has dealt with injuries and now a reduced playing time. A change of scenery could do his game and confidence justice. The Lakers are in the market for a SG and have placed Kyle Kuzma on the trade block. So why not a deal involving LeVert and Kuzma? That will give the Nets the young PF they need and ease the pain that Kenny Atkinson is having rotation-wise.
While some fans are just waiting for next season, Kyrie Irving is expecting more from his teammates but maybe doing so in the wrong way. While speaking to reporters earlier this week, Irving had this to say regarding the current state of the Brooklyn Nets.
We’ve got complimentary young guys as well that’ve done a great job the last three years; collectively, I feel like we have great pieces. But it’s pretty glaring we need one more piece or two more pieces that will compliment myself, KD, DJ, GT, Spencer (Dinwiddie), Caris (LeVert), and we’ll see how that evolves.”
These are stongs words coming from a player who has demanded trades, given up on his team, and has dealt with a slew of injuries over his career. However, the Nets may be paying attention to what he’s saying. The Nets do have holes on their roster and the trade deadline could be a place where they start to fill in those gaps.
Who stays or who goes is still up in the air but the Nets do have movable pieces to dangle in front of teams.
