With the NBA trade deadline just two weeks out, the Brooklyn Nets find themselves in a unique position - not quite contenders, but far from irrelevant. Armed with an NBA-best $15 million in cap space and a roster full of intriguing veterans, the Nets are shaping up to be one of the most active teams on the trade market. Whether they end up as sellers, facilitators, or both, Brooklyn has the flexibility and assets to influence how this deadline shakes out.
Let’s take a closer look at three Nets players who are most likely to be on the move before the February 5 deadline - and why their situations are worth watching.
Porter: The Breakout Star Drawing Heavy Interest
Porter has emerged as one of the most intriguing names on the trade block this season. At 27, he’s having a career year as Brooklyn’s go-to option, averaging 25.7 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 3.2 assists while shooting an efficient .485 from the field, .398 from three, and .845 from the line.
That level of production - especially on those shooting splits - puts him in elite company. Only Nikola Jokic, Anthony Edwards, Kawhi Leonard, and Jamal Murray are matching that kind of scoring efficiency.
What’s even more impressive? Despite the Nets being pegged as a bottom-feeder before the season, they’ve posted a net rating of 0.0 during Porter’s minutes. That’s not just a testament to his scoring - it speaks to his overall impact on both ends of the floor.
Porter’s contract runs $38.3 million this season and $40.8 million next, which isn’t cheap, but it’s manageable for a player producing at this level. Teams like the Bucks, Warriors, and Pistons have reportedly had internal discussions about acquiring him. For any franchise looking to add a high-level scorer without waiting for the offseason, Porter is arguably the top name available.
Thomas: A Scorer in Search of a Fit
Thomas’ situation is a bit more complicated. After failing to reach a long-term extension with the Nets, he signed a $6 million qualifying offer, making him an unrestricted free agent this summer. Brooklyn reportedly offered a two-year, $30 million deal with a team option, but that wasn’t enough to get a deal done.
The season hasn’t helped his case. The Nets started 0-7 with Thomas in a featured role, sporting the league’s worst defensive rating during that stretch. When he went down with a hamstring injury, Noah Clowney stepped in, and the team’s defense - and overall play - improved significantly.
Statistically, the drop-off is stark. Brooklyn allows 8.4 more points per 100 possessions when Thomas is on the floor - the worst differential on the team and the fourth-worst among 80 guards with at least 450 minutes played this season, per CleaningTheGlass.
Since returning from injury, Thomas has come off the bench in nine games. It’s his fourth hamstring issue since last season, and his role has clearly diminished. While he does have veto rights on any trade due to the qualifying offer, a fresh start could benefit both sides.
Despite limited trade or free-agent buzz over the past year, Thomas’ scoring ability and modest $6 million expiring deal could make him an appealing low-risk pickup for a team in need of instant offense.
Highsmith: A Salary Filler With Playoff Experience
Highsmith hasn’t suited up for the Nets this season after being acquired from Miami in a salary dump. He underwent meniscus surgery in August and initially aimed for a return at the start of the season. But a setback in October has kept him sidelined, and there’s no clear timetable for his return.
Given Brooklyn’s crowded rotation - which includes several vets and four rookie first-rounders - there’s little room for Highsmith even if he were healthy. Still, his $5.6 million expiring contract and 35 games of playoff experience make him a viable salary-matching piece in a larger trade. For a contender looking for cheap depth, he could be a throw-in with potential upside.
Claxton vs. Sharpe: The Center Conundrum
While the focus is on movable pieces, the Nets also have a decision looming in the frontcourt. Nic Claxton and Day’Ron Sharpe have both been impactful this season, but long-term, it’s unlikely Brooklyn keeps both.
Claxton has bounced back from an injury-plagued 2024-25 campaign, anchoring a defense that led the league in December and putting together the best offensive stretch of his career. Sharpe, meanwhile, has thrived in a backup role - rebounding at a high level and showing real growth as a passer, defender, and low-post scorer.
The Nets hold a $6 million team option on Sharpe for next season, but his consistent production may prompt them to pursue a longer-term deal this summer. If they view him as a legitimate starting-caliber big, that could make Claxton expendable.
Claxton is two years older and more expensive, but his descending contract makes him a valuable trade chip. Still, unless a team comes in with a strong offer before the deadline, Brooklyn is expected to hold onto him and reassess during the offseason - when draft picks and cap flexibility are easier to maneuver.
Bottom Line: The Nets are sitting on a rare mix of cap space, veteran talent, and flexibility. Whether they decide to fully embrace the rebuild or simply retool around a younger core, they’re in a position to influence this trade deadline in a big way. Expect phones to be ringing in Brooklyn - and don’t be surprised if multiple names from this list are wearing new jerseys come February 5.