Brooklyn Nets general manager Sean Marks made it clear the franchise is not seeking incremental improvement in free agency.
Speaking during the team’s end-of-season press conference, Marks emphasized that any move to acquire a top-tier player will be contingent on that player’s ability to immediately elevate the franchise into contention.
“If you’re going after max-level talent, they’ve got to automatically and absolutely change the trajectory of your team,” Marks said on Monday, via Michael Scotto.
Brooklyn concluded the 2024–25 campaign with a 26–56 record, finishing 12th in the Eastern Conference and missing the postseason for a second straight year.
The front office already made sweeping changes during the season, including trading Mikal Bridges to the Knicks in exchange for a package of future first-round picks and adding veteran guard D’Angelo Russell from the Lakers.
Despite those moves, Brooklyn ranked near the bottom of the league in offensive efficiency, scoring just 105.1 points per game while allowing 112.2.
Marks said the franchise will not commit to a high-salary player unless it results in a realistic chance to compete deep in the playoffs.
“This can’t be like let’s go get this and lock ourselves into being a sixth or seventh seed,” Marks said. “When we go all in, you’re going in to compete at the highest level and contend.”
The Nets are one of the few teams in the league with multiple future first-round picks from other franchises, including selections from the Knicks, Lakers, Hawks, and Bucks.
Brooklyn’s ability to build a compelling trade package may depend on whether a top-tier player becomes available via trade this offseason.
Kevin Durant is among the notable names expected to hit the market, with Phoenix reportedly preparing to trade the 36-year-old forward after firing head coach Mike Budenholzer and missing the Play-In Tournament.
Whether the Nets pursue a reunion with Durant, or turn their focus to younger targets, remains to be seen.
Head coach Jordi Fernández will lead the franchise into the offseason, tasked with developing a young roster that includes Cam Thomas, Nic Claxton, and rookie Dariq Whitehead.
