The Brooklyn Nets are staring down the rebuilding barrel roll. They are already in overdrive after the hilariously expensive haul they got for Mikal Bridges. Further, reverting to their original NBA Draft picks puts the onus on them to take a step back for their benefit.
Additionally, the boatload of assets at their disposal makes it likely that the Nets will be back in contention sooner rather than later. However, their days of being bad might have a few wrinkles.
The roster is home to a few quality veterans who could fetch a decent price on the trade market. Cameron Johnson and Dorian Finney-Smith have two 3-and-D wings, arguably the most coveted asset in the league. In exchange, however, it looks like Brooklyn has a different mindset.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Isaac Okoro, Cleveland Cavaliers, Brooklyn Nets Updates
Rather than pile on even more draft picks, the ‘other’ team in New York is seeking youth to develop. One potential name emerging as a candidate is Isaac Okoro from the Cleveland Cavaliers.
What does Isaac Okoro mean for Brooklyn?
According to the latest reports, the Brooklyn Nets are significantly interested in Okoro. Via a sign-and-trade, Isaac could be an intriguing addition to the team.
In essence, he offers little beyond the 3-and-D archetype that Brooklyn has in spades. However, at 22, he is significantly younger than their current wing core and would fit a rebuilding timeline.
Further, the youth also asks about untapped potential. Okoro has continued to develop through his first few seasons in the league. Coming in as a strictly defensive prospect, he continues to add layers to his game. The first, obvious due to Cleveland’s roster construction, was developing a jumper. After a disastrous rookie season, his numbers have taken a significant bump for the better.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Isaac Okoro, Cleveland Cavaliers, Brooklyn Nets Updates
But, for the Nets’ side of things, the intrigue is more than additional layers. In Mikal Bridges, they saw the blueprint for what a 3-and-D play could develop into. While he wasn’t an MVP candidate, Bridges was an immediate 20 ppg scorer and a potential Robin to any Batman.
After leaving the Phoenix Suns, allowing his game to expand and show out at the NBA level was a blessing in disguise for Brooklyn. Perhaps, in a younger Okoro, they could be hoping for a similar arc.
Cleveland could play spoilsport
The only slight damper in Brooklyn’s plans could be the team they’re trying to trade with. After extending Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley, this season could be a make-or-break year for the Cavs.
Since the Donovan trade, the small forward position has remained Cleveland’s biggest hole. In Isaac Okoro, they have a serviceable name for the position who can hold his own, and Cleveland recognizes this.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Isaac Okoro, Cleveland Cavaliers, Brooklyn Nets Updates
According to reports, the franchise is willing to extend and keep him around. However, the ‘for the right price’ caveat lingers around the potential extension.
In contrast, the Nets’ are among the cheapest teams going into next season. As a result, a more lucrative offer could come by for the 2021 rookie, while the Cavaliers get a more trustworthy name at their wing slot.
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