Some fans and analysts expected the Brooklyn Nets to go on a trading spree after they sent former starting forward Mikal Bridges to the New York Knicks. The Nets made some moves signaling their shift to focus on developing younger talent. However, Brooklyn has yet to move any remaining team veterans, and there are two players everyone is eyeing before training camp.
1. Cameron Johnson
Cameron Johnson arrived in Brooklyn with Mikal Bridges as part of 2023's Kevin Durant-Phoenix Suns trade. The two-way wing experienced a promising showing during his first 25 games in the borough. Johnson averaged a career-high 16.6 points, 1.4 steals, and shot 37.2 percent on his three-pointers during the stretch. As a result, the Nets rewarded him with a four-year, $108 million contract extension the following summer.
During the 2023-24 season, Johnson did not match the production he did during his initial stint with the Nets. He played just 58 games, averaging 13.4 points and 0.8 steals. On the bright side, he shot 39.1 percent from deep range. The 28-year-old remains a valuable piece for the Nets, and while he has not been moved yet, he is a prime candidate drawing interest from other teams. The Nets could struggle to trade Johnson due to financial incentives in his contract that could increase his cost. Still, there are plenty of squads who would make use of his services if the Nets deal him.
2. Dorian Finney-Smith
Dorian Finney-Smith arrived in Brooklyn around the same time as Cam Johnson did. The Nets acquired Finney-Smith in their deal that sent Kyrie Irving to the Dallas Mavericks. FInney-Smith was a proven veteran who fans knew was a threat on both sides of the ball. He is often touted as one of the most prototypical three-and-D NBA wings.
Finney-Smith has not had his best production with the Nets but is still a valuable contributor. He averaged 8.5 points, 0.8 steals, 0.6 blocks, and shot 34.8 percent on his deep-range shots. In late July, Finney-Smith was rumored to be on the trade block in an attempt to acquire Cleveland Cavaliers wing Isaac Okoro. Brooklyn's interest in Okoro never came to fruition, as he signed a three-year extension with the Cavs in mid-September.
It looks as though both Cameron Johnson and Dorian Finney-Smith will remain on the roster before the Nets start training camp. However, if Brooklyn makes moves before then, those two seem the most likely trade candidates.