The Brooklyn Nets are in a rare and powerful position as the NBA trade deadline approaches: they’ve got the most cap space in the league-$15.2 million to be exact-and they’re not afraid to use it. For a team in the midst of a rebuild, this isn’t just flexibility, it’s leverage. And with several contenders looking to clean up their books before the Feb. 5 deadline, the Nets could be the key to unlocking a flurry of deals.
One of the teams to watch? The Philadelphia 76ers.
They’re currently $7 million over the luxury tax threshold and just about $1 million away from hitting the first apron-a line that brings with it some serious roster-building restrictions. Historically, Philly’s front office has been aggressive about ducking the tax when possible, and all signs point to them trying to do it again this year.
The challenge? Their payroll is top-heavy.
Six players are making over $7 million this season: Joel Embiid ($55.2M), Paul George ($54.1M), Tyrese Maxey ($38M), V.J. Edgecombe ($11.1M), Quentin Grimes ($8.7M), and Kelly Oubre Jr.
($8.4M). Of that group, Oubre is the only one who might realistically be moved in a cost-cutting deal.
But here’s the rub: Oubre’s been productive, averaging 14.6 points while shooting an efficient 49% from the field, 38% from deep, and 73% from the line in 22 games. That’s not the kind of player you give away just to save a few bucks.
So if Oubre stays, the Sixers may need to get creative. One option?
A three-team deal that sends a less desirable contract to Brooklyn, with Philly picking up assets in return. The Nets, with their cap space, could absorb that contract and likely demand some draft capital for the favor.
Veteran center Andre Drummond is a name that makes more sense in this kind of move. He’s on an expiring $5 million deal and could be packaged with a couple of minimum-salary players and picks.
That would get the Sixers under the tax line, but it would also leave them with a thinner bench and no clear backup for Embiid. That’s a risk-especially for a team with championship aspirations.
If Philly goes that route, they’d likely look to the free agent market to fill out the roster. Signing players to prorated minimum deals could help round out the depth chart, and they’d almost certainly need to bring in another big man.
Otherwise, the Sixers would be forced to lean on young, unproven options like Adem Bona, Johmi Broome, or Dominick Barlow to soak up minutes behind Embiid. That’s a gamble in any playoff push.
The Nets could also be a lifeline for other tax-crunched teams. The Orlando Magic, for instance, are $5.6 million over the tax line and have a couple of mid-sized expiring contracts in Tyus Jones ($7M) and Jett Howard ($5.5M). Neither player is a core piece, and Howard’s connection to Brooklyn-his father Juwan is an assistant coach with the Nets-adds an interesting wrinkle.
Beyond Orlando, the Raptors, Nuggets, and Suns are all hovering just under $1 million above the tax line. That’s not a huge number, but for front offices looking to avoid the repeater tax or cash in on the league’s revenue-sharing system, it matters.
Remember, half of the NBA’s collected luxury tax is redistributed to teams that stay under the line. For a rebuilding team like Brooklyn, that’s real money-and a good reason to take on a contract or two if the price is right.
Bottom line: the Nets have the cap space, the leverage, and the patience to be a key player in the days leading up to the deadline. Whether it’s Philly, Orlando, or another team looking to shed salary, Brooklyn’s open for business-and they’re in a position to get paid for it.