7 Players The Nets Should Target To Be The Face Of Their Franchise

The Brooklyn Nets are in a transitional period heading into the 2024-25 season. After trading Mikal Bridges to the New York Knicks in a blockbuster deal this past summer, the Nets are left without a clear-cut franchise player. This move brought them a haul of draft picks and role players like Shake Milton and Bojan Bogdanovic, setting them up for a potential rebuild or a quick retool depending on the direction they choose to take. With young talents like Cam Thomas and Nic Claxton still in the fold, the Brooklyn Nets now have the flexibility to either develop their core or use their stockpile of assets to go star-hunting.

To get back to serious contention, though, they need that next superstar—someone who can take them beyond mediocrity and lead the team into a new era. Whether through a blockbuster trade or free agency, the Nets have plenty of options. Let’s dive into seven potential players they could target to be the face of their franchise.

This new direction provides them with the chance to reshape the team entirely. The next move could define the Nets for years to come.

1. Cooper Flagg

The Brooklyn Nets seem to be setting their sights on the 2025 NBA Draft, and their potential golden ticket to the future: Cooper Flagg. This 6'8" powerhouse has been touted as one of the most complete prospects in years, with some scouts already comparing him to the likes of Kevin Durant and Kawhi Leonard. It’s easy to see why—Flagg is a dominant two-way player with the ability to lock down defensively and score effortlessly from anywhere on the court. His wingspan and quick lateral movement allow him to guard multiple positions, making him a game-changer on both ends of the floor.

Flagg’s court vision, basketball IQ, and competitive drive are elite for someone his age, and he’s already made waves with his leadership skills. He’s shown flashes of taking over games with his scoring and defensive presence, and many believe he could have an instant impact in the NBA, much like a young LeBron or Luka Doncic . His versatility is what makes him so special—he can dominate in the paint, hit mid-range jumpers, and even stretch the floor with his outside shooting.

For the Nets, who have just traded away Mikal Bridges and are looking for their next face of the franchise, tanking for Flagg could be a game-changer. Cam Thomas has had his moments, but it’s clear he doesn't have the ceiling of a generational talent. Flagg, on the other hand, has the potential to completely reshape the trajectory of the franchise. With a talent like him, the Nets could go from rebuilding to contending within just a few seasons.

If they land the number one pick, the hype around Flagg could quickly turn into real success for the Nets, as they’d be getting not just a solid prospect, but potentially the next superstar of the league.

2. Anfernee Simons

The Portland Trail Blazers are actively exploring trade options for Anfernee Simons , according to various reports, as they shift their focus towards rebuilding around younger players like Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe. Simons, a talented scorer, put up an impressive stat line last season, averaging 22.6 points and 4.1 assists per game. However, with the Blazers committing to a future built around their younger backcourt duo, Simons has become an expendable asset. Portland is also reportedly considering moving Jerami Grant, making it clear that the team is reshuffling its roster to fit their new long-term direction.

For the Brooklyn Nets, Simons represents an intriguing opportunity. After trading Mikal Bridges in the offseason, the Nets are looking for a new cornerstone to lead their team. Simons, at just 25 years old, is entering his prime and still has room to grow. His offensive versatility could fill a major gap on the Nets roster, providing them with a dynamic scorer who can create his own shot and also facilitate for teammates. While defense has never been Simons' strong suit, the Nets would gain a lethal scoring option who can take over games with his shooting.

Simons is also on a fairly team-friendly contract, which makes him an even more attractive target for a team like the Brooklyn Nets that’s looking to stay flexible. He’s owed $25.9 million for the upcoming season, a reasonable price for someone of his caliber. With the right system and a fresh environment, Simons could easily step into a bigger role and develop into a potential franchise leader for the Nets. Given the current rumors surrounding Portland’s willingness to trade him, the Brooklyn Nets could make a move to bring in the explosive guard and start their next era with a bang.

3. Jaden Ivey

Jaden Ivey’s role with the Detroit Pistons is becoming increasingly complicated as the team continues to figure out its direction heading into the 2024-25 season. With Cade Cunningham cemented as the franchise cornerstone and the emergence of new talents like Ausar Thompson, Ivey has seen his role reduced, sparking discussions about his future with the team. Under head coach Monty Williams, Ivey faced inconsistent minutes, and reports suggest some internal tensions as the Pistons tried to balance their young core.

Although Ivey started most games in his rookie season, he’s now seen as more of a secondary piece, with his fit alongside Cunningham in question. His defensive struggles and inconsistent shooting—only 43% from the field and 31% from beyond the arc when paired with Cunningham—have made the Pistons rethink his long-term role. Some believe that Ivey’s value as a trade asset might actually be at its peak right now, and there’s a risk that holding onto him too long could diminish his future trade value.

Despite these challenges, Ivey still holds a lot of upside. At just 22, he remains an explosive scorer with potential to develop into a key piece for the right team. If the Pistons decide to make him available, the Brooklyn Nets could view Ivey as a high-upside addition. In a new environment where he can take on a bigger role, Ivey might be the kind of young player who could thrive and grow into a franchise player.

Related: 5 Best Targets For The Miami Heat Ahead Of 2024-25 Season

4. Jonathan Kuminga

Jonathan Kuminga has become a crucial part of the Golden State Warriors’ future plans, especially after the departure of key veterans like Klay Thompson and Chris Paul during the 2024 offseason. Kuminga stepped up in the 2023-24 season, averaging 16.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game, showing he can be a vital offensive contributor alongside Stephen Curry. His breakout season has made him almost untouchable in trade discussions, as the Warriors view him as a key building block moving forward.

The Warriors have prioritized retaining Kuminga as they enter a new era without their veteran core. As the second-leading scorer on the team behind Curry, Kuminga’s development into a dynamic two-way player has raised his profile across the league. Although he’s still under his rookie contract, his upcoming extension will play a significant role in Golden State's salary cap management, especially with the team shifting towards a younger roster.

The Nets could see Kuminga as a franchise cornerstone if the Warriors ever decide to move him, which seems unlikely given how much they value his athleticism, defensive versatility, and potential. Kuminga fits the profile of the kind of high-upside young player the Nets would love to build around, particularly in their current phase of looking for a new identity post-Mikal Bridges.

For the Warriors, Kuminga’s continued growth is critical. With Thompson and Paul gone, he’s now one of the key players expected to carry the offensive load and anchor the team defensively. His contract situation will be a topic of conversation, but all signs point to Golden State holding onto him as a central piece of their future.

5. Cam Whitmore

Cam Whitmore, drafted 20th overall by the Houston Rockets in 2023, had a solid rookie year, averaging 13.3 points and 3.5 rebounds per game during the latter part of the season. Despite his strong performances, Whitmore is expected to remain in a bench role this upcoming season as the Rockets prioritize veteran players like Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks to make a playoff push.

The Rockets, hungry to return to the postseason, may see Whitmore as expendable if the right trade package presents itself. Given their “win-now” mentality, a team like the Brooklyn Nets could target Whitmore in exchange for pieces that can immediately help Houston compete. His athleticism, defensive potential, and scoring ability make him an attractive option for a team looking to build around young talent.

For the Nets, Whitmore would fit perfectly into their timeline. The Nets, still searching for a franchise cornerstone, could develop Whitmore into a key player for their future. If they manage to put together a trade that offers Houston veterans or picks, Whitmore could be the kind of player who grows into a future star with the right environment and opportunity.

While his role in Houston might be limited, the Nets present a scenario where Whitmore could thrive. Given his combination of potential and upside, he could become a major asset for the Nets in their rebuilding process.

6. Keyonte George

Keyonte George had an impressive rookie campaign for the Utah Jazz, earning All-Rookie second team honors while averaging 13.0 points and 3.7 assists across 44 starts. However, as the Jazz look to accelerate their path back to contention, George may find himself in a reduced role in the 2024-25 season. The addition of veteran guard Patty Mills and the emphasis on more experienced players like Jordan Clarkson and Collin Sexton could mean George will continue coming off the bench for Utah.

Despite his potential, George is competing for minutes on a team focused on a playoff push after missing out last season. Utah's rotation is crowded with guards, which could limit his growth and playing time this season. For a team like the Brooklyn Nets, who are rebuilding and seeking young talent, George could be a prime trade target. If the Nets were to offer the Jazz players who can contribute immediately, such as solid veterans or defensive specialists, Utah may be open to moving George to get the pieces they need to compete right now.

For the Nets, adding George would provide them with a high-upside guard who can develop into a future cornerstone. His playmaking skills and scoring potential fit well with Brooklyn Nets' long-term strategy of building around young, developing talent. Given that he’s already shown flashes of his potential, George could blossom in a situation where he has more freedom and less competition for minutes.

In summary, while Keyonte George remains a promising talent for Utah, his role with the Jazz may be limited as they prioritize immediate success. This opens the door for teams like Brooklyn Nets to swoop in and acquire him, offering Utah the chance to bolster their playoff hopes while giving George a more fitting developmental environment.

7. GG Jackson

GG Jackson, drafted 45th overall in the 2023 NBA Draft by the Memphis Grizzlies, showed flashes of his scoring and athletic potential during his rookie season. Averaging 7.1 points and 3.4 rebounds per game, Jackson impressed in limited minutes, particularly with his ability to create shots for himself. However, his progress was halted by a foot injury that required surgery recently, sidelining him until at least December.

As the Grizzlies push to remain competitive in the Western Conference, Jackson’s role upon his return remains uncertain. With Memphis focused on contending, they may not have the patience to fully integrate a developing player like Jackson, especially with their key veteran players coming back from injuries. This presents an opportunity for teams like the Brooklyn Nets to target Jackson as a potential trade asset. The Nets, in need of young talent with upside, could offer win-now pieces to Memphis in exchange for the young forward.

For the Nets, adding Jackson could be a low-risk, high-reward move. At 6'9", Jackson has the versatility to play both forward spots and could thrive in a larger role with the Nets. His ability to score off the dribble and stretch the floor would be a valuable addition to a rebuilding team like the Nets, especially as they search for young players to build around.

If Memphis feels Jackson is expendable due to their focus on competing now, the Nets should explore acquiring him. Jackson’s talent and potential could be maximized in an environment where he is given more opportunities to grow and contribute.

Related: 10 NBA Players Who Can Become All-Stars In The 2024-25 Season