The Brooklyn Nets are deep in the rebuild trenches, and the 2025-26 season has made that crystal clear. With a 13-35 record and a roster leaning heavily on rookie development, Brooklyn’s short-term focus isn’t on playoff pushes-it’s about growth, evaluation, and setting the stage for a brighter future. Michael Porter Jr. has been the standout in an otherwise rocky campaign, but even his strong play hasn’t been enough to keep the team competitive on most nights.
Sunday's 130-77 loss to the Detroit Pistons was a low point-and that's saying something. It marked the third time in the last seven games the Nets have lost by at least 37 points.
Blowouts like that aren’t just losses; they’re gut checks. And right now, the Nets are showing just how far they are from contending in the Eastern Conference.
To be fair, there have been flashes. Brooklyn managed to notch a 109-99 win over the Utah Jazz on Friday-without Porter in the lineup.
That kind of win, on the road and short-handed, should’ve been a momentum-builder. But any good vibes were short-lived, as Detroit quickly brought the Nets back to reality with a wire-to-wire demolition.
The Pistons, led by Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren, looked like a team ready to take the next step. The Nets, on the other hand, looked like a team still figuring out who they are and who they want to be.
That’s not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, for a team in Brooklyn’s position, a bottom-tier finish could be a blessing in disguise.
This roster, outside of Porter, lacks top-end talent. And with the 2026 NBA Draft looming, the Nets are in prime position to add another foundational piece-assuming the lottery balls bounce their way.
Behind the scenes, Brooklyn is staying active. According to league sources, the Nets-along with the Hornets and Jazz-have been letting teams know they’re open to facilitating trades in exchange for draft picks. With cap space to spare, the Nets are in a rare position to act as a third-team broker, helping contenders make deals while quietly stockpiling assets.
But they’re not just looking to help others. Brooklyn could also be in the market for young, underutilized talent. Here are three players who could be intriguing trade targets as the deadline approaches:
Darius Garland - Guard, Cleveland Cavaliers
Garland is in year three of a five-year, $197 million deal and still producing at a high level-18.0 points, 6.9 assists per game, and solid shooting splits (45.1% FG, 36.0% from three). Cleveland is committed to winning now with a core of Garland, Donovan Mitchell, and Evan Mobley, but with the Cavs sitting $13.8 million above the second apron, they may be forced to consider some tough financial decisions.
For Brooklyn, Garland would be a major talent upgrade and a potential long-term backcourt anchor. He’s still just 26 and has All-Star upside. If Cleveland is looking to shed salary and pivot slightly, the Nets could swoop in with draft capital and cap flexibility.
Jeremy Sochan - Forward, San Antonio Spurs
Sochan’s situation is a bit more fluid. Once seen as one of the league’s most versatile young forwards, he’s now out of the Spurs’ regular rotation. San Antonio has reportedly given Sochan and his camp the green light to explore trade options ahead of the deadline.
Still only 23, Sochan brings defensive switchability, high motor, and a unique skill set that fits the modern NBA. If Brooklyn can buy low, he could be a sneaky-good pickup-especially for a team in need of frontcourt depth and long-term upside.
Jared McCain - Guard, Philadelphia 76ers
McCain had a strong rookie campaign, averaging 15.3 points while shooting 46.0% from the field and 38.3% from three. But this season, he’s been pushed down the depth chart behind fellow rookie VJ Edgecombe. With Paul George suspended and the Sixers scrambling for wing help, McCain could be a casualty of roster rebalancing.
The Nets should be watching closely. McCain’s a proven scorer with legit shooting chops, and he’s already shown he can hold his own at the NBA level. For a Brooklyn team that needs more offensive firepower and long-term backcourt options, McCain could be a smart gamble.
The bottom line: Brooklyn’s not winning many games right now, but they’re playing the long game. With Porter Jr. emerging as a potential All-Star and a front office that’s clearly thinking ahead, the Nets are positioning themselves to be opportunistic at the trade deadline. Whether they land a young asset, a disgruntled star, or just more draft capital, the goal is clear-build a roster that can grow together and eventually contend.
It won’t happen overnight, but moves made in February could help shape what this team looks like in 2027 and beyond.