After finishing the 2024–25 season with a disappointing 26–56 record, the Brooklyn Nets missed the playoffs for the second straight year and didn’t come close to cracking the Play-In Tournament. Despite solid contributions from Cam Thomas (24.0 PPG, 3.8 APG), Brooklyn was one of the league’s most uninspiring teams, ranking 28th in offensive rating and 20th in defensive rating.
The Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving era officially feels like a lifetime ago, and while the roster has intriguing pieces, it is glaringly obvious: the Nets need a true franchise player to ignite a new era. Particularly someone who can shift the energy at Barclays Center, give the fanbase hope, and restore Brooklyn’s relevance in an increasingly brutal Eastern Conference.
It won’t be easy since true superstars rarely hit the market, but Sean Marks and the front office have the tools to make an aggressive move. Here are three superstar targets the Nets should go all-in for to find their next face of the franchise.
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo
Proposed Trade Details
Brooklyn Nets Receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: Nicolas Claxton, Cameron Johnson, Ziaire Williams (Sign-and-Trade), 2026 First-Round Pick (BKN), 2030 First-Round Pick (BKN), 2031 First-Round Pick (NYK)
It feels almost blasphemous to even imagine Giannis Antetokounmpo in anything other than a Bucks jersey, but the 2024–25 season has thrown Milwaukee into chaos. With Khris Middleton gone for good, Damian Lillard’s future in doubt after an Achilles tear, and an early first-round playoff exit looming, there’s growing buzz that Giannis could eventually look elsewhere, meaning the Nets dream of acquiring him.
Giannis still dominated this season, 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game on 60.1% shooting, but the Bucks’ championship window feels smaller than ever. For a player who openly said he prioritizes winning above loyalty, the clock is ticking.
For Brooklyn, a Giannis trade would be an all-in move that resets the franchise’s entire identity overnight. His ability to dominate both ends of the floor would instantly elevate the Nets from irrelevant to terrifying.
Nic Claxton, Cam Johnson, Ziaire Williams (sign-and-trade), and first-round picks could at least get Milwaukee thinking if Giannis ever forces their hand. It’s a long shot, sure, but if you’re Sean Marks, you have to be lurking and ready.
The key selling point? Brooklyn’s market size and their ability to build fast around a superstar. If Giannis ever gets restless, the Nets can pitch him the idea of a new superteam on a big stage.
2. Ja Morant
Proposed Trade Details
Brooklyn Nets Receive: Ja Morant
Memphis Grizzlies Receive: Cameron Johnson, Ziaire Williams (Sign-and-Trade), Noah Clowney, 2026 First-Round Pick (BKN), 2030 First-Round Pick (BKN), 2031 First-Round Pick (NYK)
After some more controversial on-and-off-court sagas this season and a Memphis squad (swept in the first round) that looks ready to hit reset, Ja Morant could easily be one of the biggest names moved this summer. When he’s on the floor, Morant is still electric, 23.2 points, 7.3 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game, but the Grizzlies’ patience might be wearing thin after another rocky year, and the firing of Taylor Jenkins was likely the first step.
For Brooklyn, Morant represents a massive risk but also a potentially transformational reward. The Nets desperately lack a dynamic playmaker who can collapse defenses, ignite the crowd, and carry an offense late in games.
Cam Thomas is a fine secondary weapon, but Morant would be the star power this team badly needs. Plus, Brooklyn has the stability and veteran locker room culture (plus New York market incentives) to help Ja rebrand himself and rebuild his image.
If Memphis shops him, Brooklyn can offer a strong package of young talent and picks without gutting their core. Ja isn’t the “safe” superstar like Giannis, he’s the wild card. But sometimes, you need to roll the dice when your franchise is fading into irrelevance.
3. Trae Young
Proposed Trade Details
Brooklyn Nets Receive: Trae Young
Atlanta Hawks Receive: Cameron Johnson, Nicolas Claxton, 2026 First-Round Pick (BKN), 2031 First-Round Pick (NYK)
If you want star power, offensive fireworks, and instant buzz, Trae Young might be the most realistic option on this list. Despite posting another All-Star caliber season (24.2 points, 11.6 assists per game), Atlanta is very much open for business this summer, and Trae seems destined for a change of scenery.
The Hawks are stuck in mediocrity, and both sides could benefit from a fresh start. Enter Brooklyn. For the Nets, Young would immediately give them the scoring engine they desperately need.
Yes, defense would remain an issue (Brooklyn already ranked near the bottom defensively with 115.8 Def Rtg), but Trae’s ability to pull defenders 30 feet from the basket and rack up 10+ assists per night would completely reshape their offense. Imagine a world where Cam Thomas gets easy looks from one of the league’s most gifted passers.
Better yet, Brooklyn could offer Atlanta a flexible deal built around picks, young players, and future cap space. The Hawks seem to have their center of the future in Onyeka Okongwu, but it won’t hurt to have Claxton provide some competition at the center spot, and Cam Johnson slots in well next to Jalen Johnson and Dyson Daniels.
Overall, with Trae still just 26 years old, he fits a timeline where Brooklyn can build slowly but still compete quickly. If the Nets can’t land a generational forward like Giannis or a high-upside risk like Ja, making a play for Trae Young might be the most realistic path to stardom.
