As the Brooklyn Nets forge ahead in their rebuilding journey, General Manager Sean Marks is on the hunt for the next big chapter of the franchise. With the second half of the season underway, familiar faces are vying for long-term spots, but it's the arrival of two new players, Josh Minott and Ochai Agbaji, that's generating buzz.
Minott and Agbaji joined the Nets from the Celtics and Raptors, respectively, during the trade deadline. While these moves might have slipped under the radar, Brooklyn has clear intentions for both players.
“We know they’re very good players. That’s why they’re here,” remarked Nets coach Jordi Fernandez.
“Show me what you can bring to the group, and if you can be part of this group, you can be a future Net. Ball pressure is our first staple.
Every time you can apply ball pressure - full-court or half-court - you can create turnovers and deflections and make the other team uncomfortable late in the clock. We believe those guys can do that, and I’m excited to watch them play.”
Minott's acquisition was a strategic move by the Nets, who took on his minimum contract from Boston to help them dip below the luxury tax. Brooklyn's willingness to send $110,000 in cash without receiving a draft pick underscores their belief in his potential.
Minott, with a non-guaranteed $2.58 million contract for 2026-27, has shown promise this season. The 23-year-old has averaged 6.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 0.8 steals in 18.5 minutes per game over 27 appearances. His shooting has been impressive, hitting 50.8 percent from the field and 44.4 percent from three on 7.1 attempts per 100 possessions.
“For me, it’s about staying true to the values I’ve learned over my three and a half years in the league, especially the work ethic. I’ve been around some winning organizations.
Understanding what we did right and what it takes to make those playoff pushes, it’s about bringing that over,” Minott explained. “Defensively, I line up with the core values here: pressure and being disruptive.
My shooting has come a long way, too. I can confidently say that’s a strength, and I believe in taking the right, open shots.”
Standing at 6-foot-8 with a seven-foot wingspan, Minott's physical attributes align perfectly with the Nets' defensive aspirations. His offensive strides have caught the attention of many.
“It was the hunger I was playing with,” Minott reflected on his time in Boston. “That’s something I’m definitely bringing here [to Brooklyn], the hunger and desperation.
I know this organization values that mindset of disruption. I saw we’re near the top of the league in pickup points, so it’s not just talk.
I’m bringing that drive and determination.”
On the other hand, Agbaji comes with a 2032 Raptors second-round pick, having been traded for his $6.4 million expiring contract. Despite a shooting slump that saw him fall out of Toronto's rotation, Agbaji's potential remains evident.
Last season, he averaged 10.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.5 assists on impressive 50/40/71 shooting splits across 64 games, including 45 starts.
Welcome to Brooklyn Josh Minott!
— Nets Film Room (@NetsFilm) February 5, 2026
Only 23 y/o
3.4 Stocks per 100 (93%tile)
5.7 Deflections p100 (93%tile)
-3.6 contest FG DIFF, -8 rim FG DIFF
Career 62% TS
his .14 dunk rate and 8% Oreb rank 3rd on the Nets, 1st among non-bigs. A huge injection of athleticism pic.twitter.com/Hb0w5KXtLK
“For me, it’s about getting back to myself and who I know I can be,” Agbaji said. “That’s super important in this league, and it’s what I work for and what I’m trying to show again.
First, my defense and the intensity I play with every single night. I’m always trying to win every possession.
That’s who I am as a player. I know I have a lot more to show.
I had a great season last year and I’m trying to build on that. My time in Toronto was great, but I’m looking forward to what I can do here.”
With Minott and Agbaji in the fold, the Nets are setting the stage for an exciting new era, one that promises to bring energy, defense, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.