On the eve of the 2023 Draft, the Nets currently have three “picks”: the 21st, the 22nd and the 51st. The franchise will thus have the possibility of selecting profiles that will fit perfectly with a project centered around youth, in order to join Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson or even Nic Claxton.
But, according to ESPN, Brooklyn wants to be more ambitious and wants to go up to the Draft. The New York franchise would even be very active in discussions around possible trades.
The Nets could therefore look to trade the two first-round picks for a higher pick. It is also possible that they attach to these picks players who arouse interest in the market such as Royce O’Neale or even Dorian Finney-Smith, in order to make the package more attractive.
Rayan Rupert in the viewfinder?
The Mavericks (10), Thunder (12), Hawks (15) and Jazz (16) are among the teams that will select before Brooklyn on Draft night, and are open to the idea of a trade.
The Nets have organized several “workouts” for players expected in the first round like Brandin Podziemski, Jaime Jaquez Jr, Maxwell Lewis, Colby Jones and Andre Jackson, as well as players who could also leave in the first round like Terquavion Smith, Jalen Wilson and Jordan Walsh.
As a reminder, a few months ago, Sean Marks, the GM of the franchise, had personally taken the plane to observe Rayan Rupert in Australia and New Zealand. The Frenchman was invited to the “Green Room”, a sign that he could leave before the Nets choose. Hence the interest of going up a little…
