Rumored · as of 2026-06-22
Targets
Who Brooklyn is linked to in the draft, on the trade market, and in free agency — with rankings, estimated deals, and a source on every name.
No. 6 pick · June 23
Draft Targets
Mikel Brown Jr.
G · Louisville
Completed a second private workout with Brooklyn; USA Today's mock sends him to the Nets at 6. Led the nation in defensive box plus-minus.
Source: Nets Wire · NBA.com consensus mock ↗Darius Acuff Jr.
G · Arkansas
Among the Nets' most-mocked picks. Averaged 23.5 ppg and 6.4 apg on .484/.440/.809 splits running Calipari's offense.
Source: Sports Illustrated · NBA.com ↗Nate Ament
F · Tennessee
NetsDaily sources call Brooklyn 'likely' to take him. Rare size, fluidity and perimeter skill; polarizing after inconsistent production.
Source: NetsDaily ↗Karim Lopez
F · NZ Breakers
Among the prospects Brooklyn brought in for a workout at its HSS Training Center.
Source: BVM Sports / NetsDaily ↗Picks + cap to deal
Trade Targets
Giannis Antetokounmpo
F · Milwaukee
Long-rumored dream target. Brooklyn's unprotected pick haul + cap is the kind of package a Giannis deal would require.
Source: Sports Illustrated · CBS Sports ↗Jalen Suggs
G · Orlando
Fills the starting point-guard void and adds elite on-ball defense; injury history (268 games in five years) is the risk.
Source: Sports Illustrated ↗Jabari Smith Jr.
F · Houston
Young two-way forward signed through 2031 — fits Brooklyn's timeline; career-high scoring and assists last season.
Source: Sports Illustrated ↗Cason Wallace
G · Oklahoma City
Extension-eligible 3-and-D guard the cap-strapped Thunder may not be able to max — a value Brooklyn could pursue.
Source: Sports Illustrated ↗Tyler Herro
G · Miami
Reported Brooklyn interest in the shot-making guard among its offseason targets.
Source: Heavy ↗Coby White
G · Chicago
Long-standing Nets interest dating back to his Bulls tenure.
Source: Sports Illustrated ↗~$33–41M in room · opens June 30
Free-Agent Targets
Austin Reaves
G · LA Lakers (UFA)
Est. 4 yr / ~$179.5M (max)
Multiple league sources expect Brooklyn to offer a max; others expect a more conservative, shorter deal.
Source: ClutchPoints · NetsDaily ↗Rui Hachimura
F · LA Lakers
Est. ~$15–25M / yr
Seeking a raise; if he reaches free agency, Brooklyn is expected to put in a bid.
Source: Sports Illustrated ↗Walker Kessler
C · Utah (RFA)
RFA — offer sheet (~$20M+/yr)
With Utah and Kessler at an impasse, Brooklyn could pursue the young rim-protector via an offer sheet.
Source: Sports Illustrated ↗Peyton Watson
F · Denver (RFA)
RFA — offer sheet candidate
Named among the restricted free agents Sean Marks could float offer sheets to.
Source: Sports Illustrated ↗Rumored targets compiled from public reporting as of June 22, 2026 — BEFORE the June 23 draft and the June 30 free-agency opening. Speculative and fast-moving; every entry links its source. Draft ranks are 2026 consensus mock/big-board positions; player ranks reference a 2025-26 NBA top-100 (ClutchPoints) and show '—' when a target isn't on it. Contract figures are estimates from reporting and the Spotrac free-agent market.