The Brooklyn Nets were one-half of the biggest trade so far this season, and it looks very likely that the team could be a part of another blockbuster deal before the 2023 NBA trade deadline.
On Monday, all signs pointed to this year’s trade deadline being devoid of major moves. However, on Friday, Kyrie Irving completely changed the landscape when he requested a trade from the Nets after the team was hesitant to offer him a max contract extension.
Related: Kevin Durant trade rumors intensify following new report on superstars thinking
Despite several days to go before the NBA trade deadline, the Brooklyn Nets did not hesitate in shipping the mercurial star out of New York when they swung a blockbuster deal with the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday. The trade will see the Mavs send Brooklyn, former Nets star Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, an unprotected first-round pick in 2029, and multiple second-round picks.
Following the deal, ESPN NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski reported the team will use the picks they acquired in the Kyrie Irving trade, and a 2023 first-round selection from a deal with the 76ers last year, to improve the team for the stretch run and NBA playoffs this season.
Four stars Brooklyn Nets could target ahead of NBA trade deadline
Even during the drama the Brooklyn Nets endured during the summer with Irving and fellow superstar Kevin Durant, the team made it clear they were not interested in going through another rebuild. That goal remains unchanged after the trade on Sunday and with Durant and multi-time All-Star Ben Simmons still on the roster.
With the team still hoping to be a contender in this year’s playoffs, here are four players they could target before Feb. 9 to bolster their chances in the postseason.
DeMar DeRozan
The Chicago Bulls have been a resounding disappointment in 2022-2023 despite a pair of 2021 All-Stars on the roster. While rumblings suggest the team would rather hold on to DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine, there is a chance they would be willing to part with the former Raptors star for a pair of first-round selections and more.
DeRozan is leading the Bulls in scoring and is the sort of elite player that can fill the massive scoring void left by Irving.
Jakob Poeltl
San Antonio Spurs center Jakob Poeltl is the best big man reportedly up grabs ahead of Feb. 9. Like the Bulls and their stars, the Spurs would rather hold on to Poeltl and try to re-sign him in the summer. But a first-round pick and a set of second-rounders from the Brooklyn Nets could be too good for San Antonio to turn down for a player they will have trouble holding on to in the offseason.
Center has been a weak spot for the Nets all season, and Poeltl would be a major upgrade and make their frontcourt uniquely formidable ahead of the playoffs.
Fred VanVleet
Of the various players the Toronto Raptors are reportedly open to trading, Fred VanVleet might be the best option because he doesn’t have a ridiculous asking price. The one-time All-Star is a free agent in the summer and has a lesser value than the likes of OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakim due to being a rent-a-player.
With Irving gone, the Brooklyn Nets could certainly use a talented floor general and ball handler. VanVleet and his nearly seven assists per game average would fit the bill perfectly in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Bojan Bogdanovic
Bojan Bogdanovic is having a career year for the Detroit Pistons. He is the team’s leading scorer and likely will be available as he builds his valuer for a jump into NBA free agency after the season. Following the Kyrie Irving trade, the Brooklyn Nets are in desperate need of more scoring, and while he is not as adept as DeRozan, Bogdanovic’s 21.4 PPG would be a major addition and at a cheaper cost before the NBA trade deadline.