The Brooklyn Nets have been one of the most intriguing teams in the NBA this offseason, making bold moves and embracing a strategy that’s got the entire league buzzing. With the 2025-26 season looming, the Nets are sitting in a unique position: they’re the only NBA franchise with substantial cap space remaining, and they’re using it to their advantage, operating as a salary-dump destination and a three-team trade facilitator in hopes of stockpiling even more draft capital.
Let’s rewind a bit. The Nets’ summer began with a flurry of activity, highlighted by their selection of five players in the 2025 NBA Draft, including the rights to Drake Powell, and several shrewd trades. Brooklyn took on the contracts of Terrance Mann, Michael Porter Jr., and Haywood Highsmith, eating up nearly $40 million of their cap space. In exchange, they picked up a range of draft assets: an unprotected first-rounder from the Atlanta Hawks in 2025 (which became Powell), an unprotected Denver Nuggets first-rounder in 2032, and an unprotected Miami Heat second-rounder in that same draft.
One of the most notable moves saw Cam Johnson shipped to Denver in exchange for Michael Porter Jr. and that valuable 2032 first-round pick. The deal not only gave the Nets a talented, albeit expensive, forward in Porter Jr., but it also provided a potential future asset that could pay dividends if the Nuggets’ fortunes change in the coming years. As NBA insider Jake Fischer wrote for The Stein Line Substack, "Brooklyn will continue to operate as a salary-dumping destination and/or three-team facilitator in hopes of stockpiling more draft capital."
Brooklyn’s willingness to absorb contracts for draft compensation has become a hallmark of their offseason, and there’s no sign they’re slowing down. They also acquired Haywood Highsmith from the Miami Heat, a move that helped Miami duck under the luxury tax while giving the Nets a veteran 3-and-D wing with NBA Finals experience and another pick for their ever-growing war chest. Highsmith, earning a modest $5.6 million for the coming season, is immediately trade-eligible and figures to draw interest from contenders once the NBA’s in-season trade window opens on December 15. "Brooklyn’s phone certainly figures to ring with interest in Highsmith, who has shown strong 3-and-D potential when healthy and already possesses some valuable postseason experience," noted Brett Siegel of Clutch Points.
As of late August, the Nets have about $16 million in cap space remaining, depending on the status of restricted free agent Cam Thomas and five players with team options. Thomas, who remains unsigned, is among a group of restricted free agents struggling to secure the deals they want in a thin free agent market. The Nets’ decision on Thomas—and on whether to re-sign forward Ziaire Williams and center Day'Ron Sharpe—will be key storylines as the season approaches.
But the Nets aren’t just sitting on their hands. Multiple reports, including those from Marc Stein, Yossi Gozlan, and Brett Siegel, indicate that Brooklyn could soon be involved in another trade, this time with the Dallas Mavericks. The Mavs are actively looking to move 23-year-old forward Olivier-Maxience Prosper, known as OMax, to clear a roster spot and get under the second apron after signing Dante Exum. Prosper, a 6’7” power forward and former Marquette standout, has played 92 games for Dallas, averaging 3.5 points and 2.4 rebounds in just 10 minutes per game, but he’s coming off right wrist surgery in May and is guaranteed $3 million for 2025-26.
The Nets reportedly had interest in Prosper during the 2023 NBA Draft, but ultimately selected Noah Clowney at No. 21, while Prosper went at No. 24. Now, with Dallas dangling draft compensation to any team willing to take on Prosper’s contract, Brooklyn’s appetite for draft picks could make them a natural fit. Dallas has two second-rounders available for trade—the Philadelphia 76ers’ in 2030 and their own in 2032—but the Nets already control Dallas’ second-round picks in 2029 and 2030, remnants of the Kyrie Irving deal. The two franchises’ draft fortunes are intertwined, and the Nets are well-positioned to extract value from a potential deal.
What’s the incentive for Brooklyn? For one, the Nets lead the league with 13 incoming first-round picks (six tradeable) and 19 second-rounders over the next seven years. Their strategy is clear: accumulate as many assets as possible, maintain flexibility, and build for the future. It’s a patient approach, but one that could pay off handsomely, especially if the team lands a franchise-altering player with one of those picks or uses their draft capital to acquire a star down the line.
Financially, Brooklyn is in an enviable spot. With $131.9 million in total salaries for 2025-26, they’re $22.5 million below the salary cap and $19 million below the minimum floor. That means they still have moves to make, whether it’s absorbing more contracts for picks or facilitating multi-team trades. And with no marquee free agents left on the market, the Nets’ cap space makes them a central player in any trade discussions that arise as teams look to shuffle their rosters before training camp.
As for the players they’ve brought in, there’s plenty of intrigue. Michael Porter Jr. brings scoring and playoff experience, though his hefty contract is a gamble. Terrance Mann, acquired as part of the Kristaps Porzingis trade to Atlanta, gives the Nets a versatile guard with upside. Haywood Highsmith’s defensive prowess and postseason pedigree could make him a valuable trade chip—or a key rotation player if he sticks around. And if they do land Prosper, he’s a developmental project who fits the team’s rebuilding timeline and could blossom with more opportunity in Brooklyn.
Of course, questions remain. Will Cam Thomas re-sign, or could he be used as a trade asset? Will the Nets keep accumulating draft picks, or will they eventually pivot and package their assets for a big swing at a superstar? And how will the young core mesh with the veterans and new arrivals under head coach Jordi Fernandez, who reportedly values defensive versatility—a trait Prosper is known for?
One thing’s for sure: the Nets are not done yet. With cap space to spare, a mountain of draft picks, and a front office unafraid to make bold moves, Brooklyn is poised to remain one of the league’s most fascinating teams as the 2025-26 season approaches. Whether they continue to serve as a salary-dump haven or pivot to a new phase in their rebuild, all eyes will be on Barclays Center as the Nets look to turn their asset stockpile into on-court success.
For now, the action is ongoing—and if recent history is any guide, Brooklyn’s next move could come at any moment. Stay tuned.
