4. Dennis Smith Jr.
The Nets have five players headed toward free agency in the offseason and appear stuck in the middle. They are 12-10, but sit eighth in the Eastern Conference. Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving are long gone. Brooklyn has a glut of wings and talent, but they need a superstar to become true title challengers.
The Nets do not control their own picks, but acquired draft capital for their stars. Do they make moves to improve their roster or sell off a few pieces in hopes of stockpiling more assets? Brooklyn needs to pick a direction before the deadline, and fans should not rule out them selling players on expiring contracts.
Dennis Smith Jr. has struggled to stay healthy since being a top-ten draft pick in 2017. He never blossomed into a star, but the 6’2 guard has remade his career as a backup ball-handler who plays stout defense and provides energy. The 26-year-old has given the Nets a boost and will draw some interest from contenders if made available.
DSJ signed a one-year minimum contract in the offseason. Can Brooklyn recoup a couple of second round picks if they decide to become sellers at the deadline? The Nets may explore it if they are stuck in the Play-In Tournament morass.