The Brooklyn Nets have opted not to extend a qualifying offer to center Day’Ron Sharpe, clearing the way for the 23-year-old to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.
Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported the decision Monday, noting that Sharpe’s $5.98 million qualifying offer for the 2025–26 season was declined as the franchise prioritizes cap flexibility in free agency.
Sharpe, a four-year veteran, averaged a career-best 7.9 points and 6.6 rebounds in 18.1 minutes across 50 appearances for Brooklyn this past season.
The 6-foot-9 big man shot 52.1 percent from the field and improved his free throw percentage to 75.7%, the highest of his career. He also contributed 1.8 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game—showing growth in multiple areas.
Brooklyn selected Sharpe with the 29th pick in the 2021 NBA Draft after a one-and-done season at North Carolina. Over four seasons, he appeared in 191 games (14 starts), averaging 6.5 points and 5.6 rebounds while shooting 55 percent from the field.
Although he played a backup role behind Nic Claxton for much of his tenure, Sharpe provided consistent energy off the bench, especially during the team’s injury stretches this past season.
Despite Sharpe’s individual improvement, the Nets struggled throughout 2024–25, finishing 12th in the Eastern Conference at 26–56 and missing the postseason.
With Brooklyn focused on retooling under new head coach Jordi Fernandez and having selected Russian guard Egor Demin with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, roster flexibility remains a key goal.
Scotto added that Brooklyn still hopes to re-sign Sharpe later in free agency, potentially at a lower cost or on a short-term deal that aligns with their cap strategy.
