The Brooklyn Nets have joined the race for Cooper Flagg. They have already traded multiple pieces and hope to move more in the coming weeks. Cameron Johnson is the marquee name in trade rumors. Nicolas Claxton is also drawing significant buzz. Brooklyn may even dump a few veterans into the buyout market to increase their lottery odds.
Sean Marks and the front office do not see this as a long rebuild. Brooklyn is a glamor market. They convinced Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden to come in recent years. The Nets dream of attracting another superstar after adding some talent in the draft.
It is no secret that Giannis Antetokounmpo is their top target. The two-time MVP has spent his entire NBA career in Milwaukee, but his desire to win another championship is well-documented. The Bucks’ latest move may have made things harder on them and cracked the door open for Brooklyn.
Giannis Antetokounmpo trade just got a bit more likely for the Nets
The Bucks traded Khris Middleton, a key piece of their championship roster in 2021, to get Kyle Kuzma on the eve of the trade deadline. It was a shocking move as Kuzma has produced the sixth-worst value over replacement player (VORP) in the NBA this season. He will be playing a different role in Milwaukee, but there should be some concern.
Kuzma’s arrival came with the approval of Giannis if the rumors are true. The Greek Freak clearly wants upgrades and has his sights set on another championship. That is even more problematic if Kuz cannot turn things around. The Bucks crashing out early in the playoffs for the third straight year could force Antetokounmpo to ask out.
The Nets would be waiting with a monster offer. If they land Cooper Flagg, it would give Giannis a young co-star to help mold. Brooklyn has tons of draft capital and would be willing to trade it all for one of the best players in the NBA.
Do not rule out Sean Marks and his front office finding a way to add marquee talents, especially with several players on rookie deals. It may be Giannis and an entirely new-look roster in Brooklyn next season.
Much has to happen before this becomes reality. Kyle Kuzma must struggle with the Bucks. Milwaukee needs to crash out of the playoffs again with Giannis wanting to exit in the aftermath.
The Nets are still dreaming, but the trade improves the odds slightly. Fans have seen Kuzma struggle in Washington this season. It is why his trade value plummeted. If he doesn’t bounce back, it could cause the unraveling of the entire Bucks roster.
The Brooklyn Nets are waiting for a star to become available. They hope it is Giannis Antetokounmpo. Winning the bidding war for his services won't be easy, but Brooklyn has proven to be an attractive option. Only time will tell, but seeing the Greek Freak in a Nets uniform got a bit closer to reality after the Kyle Kuzma trade.