Brooklyn Nets Add Players, Plan Salary Moves For Future Assets

The Brooklyn Nets have been actively reshaping their roster and cap situation this summer by taking on unwanted contracts from other teams in exchange for future draft picks, solidifying their rebuild strategy. They acquired Michael Porter Jr., Terance Mann, and Haywood Highsmith, gaining two future first-round picks and a second-round pick, one first-rounder already used to select Drake Powell. Despite having 15 players under contract and plans to re-sign Day’Ron Sharpe and Ziaire Williams, the Nets maintain over $14 million in cap space, allowing flexibility for more salary absorption or signings. However, the roster is near the 15-player limit, especially if they sign rookie Ricky Council IV, and the situation is complicated by restricted free agent Cam Thomas, who is seeking a significantly higher salary than the Nets are willing to offer. Additionally, Brooklyn signed former Ohio State standout EJ Liddell to a two-way contract to replace Tosan Evbuomwan, adding a versatile frontcourt player with stretch-four skills and shot-blocking ability, which could help them match up against small-ball centers in the league. Overall, the Nets are balancing immediate roster construction with long-term assets and flexibility as they continue their rebuild.