This offseason has marked the beginning of a rebuild for the Brooklyn Nets. With the emphasis on acquiring draft capital and low-cost contracts, the Nets seem to be headed in the right direction.
The most significant moves for Brooklyn this season were the acquisition of Michael Porter Jr. from the Denver Nuggets and retaining Cam Thomas after he signed the qualifying offer to remain with the team for the 2025-26 season.
As constructed, the Nets are not primed to compete, even with the weakened state of the Eastern Conference. However, we present a scenario that could potentially transform their starting rotation.
Proposed Trade Details
Brooklyn Nets Receive: Paul George, 2028 first-round pick (LAC), 2030 first-round pick, 2031 second-round pick
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: Terance Mann, Ziaire Williams, Jalen Wilson
It is important to note that this trade is geared toward revamping Brooklyn’s starting rotation.
While Paul George‘s massive salary would have a massive impact on a team’s cap, the Nets are well below the luxury tax apron, allowing them to take on George’s salary with ease. Additionally, due to Ziaire Williams being a recent signing, this trade would only be possible in the second week of December.
Philadelphia Forces A Rebuild
For the Philadelphia 76ers, parting ways with George could be viewed positively. Considering the forward’s mediocre performances and his inconsistencies due to injuries, several reports suggested that the franchise would be looking to ship the 35-year-old.
While the arrival of Terance Mann, Ziaire Williams, and Jalen Wilson would not make up for the loss of George, it could be perceived as a step in the right direction.
Considering the uncertain future of Joel Embiid, especially after recent reports hinting at retirement, Philadelphia could look at building around its young core.
With George’s departure, the 76ers would be clearing up roughly $27.7 million ($51.6 million outgoing from George’s contract is replaced by the $23.9 million in incoming assets) in cap space. This would see them safely placed below the first tax apron, allowing them to pursue a proper rebuild.
Apart from the cap flexibility, Mann, Williams, and Wilson could prove to be solid rotational pieces, too.
Mann had a solid season, showcasing his ability as a wing with experience during his time with the Atlanta Hawks. His average of 9.8 points and 3.1 rebounds on 54.1% shooting overall and 38.6% from three could be productive off the bench.
Meanwhile, Williams has shown upside as a legitimate two-way player. Last season saw a notable rise in production from the forward after he received more playing time with the Nets. With an average of 10.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.0 steals per game, he showed that he could be a contributor when given the opportunity.
Wilson also has significant upside. Although he is undersized for a power forward, standing at 6’8″, the 24-year-old played solid minutes for Brooklyn last season. With an average of 9.5 points and 3.4 rebounds while shooting 39.7% from the field, the 76ers may see value in developing him alongside their young core.
Although the 76ers may see some benefit in doing this trade, primarily through the lens of a rebuild, parting ways with three draft picks may be costly. However, given George’s current value, it would be difficult to do this deal any other way.
Brooklyn’s Lethal Starting Five
This scenario also has a massive impact on the Brooklyn Nets’ plans. With the addition of Paul George, the Nets would effectively be turning away from their own rebuild and forming one of the most exciting offensive units in the league.
With the likes of Thomas and Porter Jr. leading their offense, the Nets were already poised to be an electric offensive unit. But by adding George to the mix, the Nets could become something even better.
Nets’ Potential Starting Five
PG – Egor Demin
SG – Cam Thomas
SF – Paul George
PF – Michael Porter Jr.
C – Nic Claxton
Nets rookie Egor Demin is expected to take over point guard duties, having shown the skills to be an effective floor general. Although his abilities are limited to being ball-dominant, in a system featuring gifted offensive players, the Nets rookie may not have as much of a role to play.
Both Thomas and Porter Jr. have showcased their abilities as scoring threats.
Although Porter Jr. was limited to being an off-ball shooter during his time in Denver, he is expected to make a significant leap in a more flexible role. Some even suggest that he could average upward of 25 points per game.
Meanwhile, Cam Thomas‘ approach towards the next season may be poised toward showing other teams what he is capable of. As he enters free agency next summer, the young guard would do well to demonstrate his value with every opportunity he receives.
In light of this, George, at 35, may be the least explosive scoring threat on the lineup. Now in a role where he doesn’t have to be a leader or contend for a title, the forward may see a resurgence in performance.
Last season, the forward averaged 16.2 points while shooting 43.0% from the field, only attempting 13.9 shots per game. Considering that some of his prime years (2016-2019) saw him attempt over 17 shots per game, George could aim to have a bigger influence on offense by taking more shots.
The 76ers Need To Offload Paul George
Paul George has been one of the premier two-way players in the league for the majority of his career. Unfortunately, the impact that injuries have had on his performance and his ability to remain on the court cannot be ignored.
At $51.6 million last season, the 35-year-old forward isn’t considered a good investment, especially following a season marked by only 41 appearances.
When factoring in the notable reduction in output, it is clear that George isn’t as productive as he once was. Considering that he recently underwent a surgical procedure on his knee, the 76ers could see George sidelined for a longer duration, although the timeline hasn’t been confirmed yet.
Given all the concerns, Philadelphia may be better off moving on from him.
