Nets pass on second deal for Grant Nelson

Mar 10, 2026 10:45 AM

The Nets chose not to sign Grant Nelson to a second 10-day contract after his first deal expired Sunday night, league sources told Brian Lewis of The New York Post.

Nelson appeared in four games with Brooklyn, totaling 17 points, six rebounds, five assists, five blocks, and one steal in 35 minutes while shooting efficiently from the field and free-throw line.

His best outing came March 1 against Cleveland, when he posted 11 points, four rebounds, three blocks, and a steal in 20 minutes.

Lewis expressed surprise at the decision, citing the 23-year-old forward’s mobility and defensive energy. Head coach Jordi Fernandez also praised Nelson before Saturday’s game but said the team still needed to evaluate its next move.

“[He’s] a very good basketball player. Everything he does, he does it well,” Fernandez said. “He doesn’t over-dribble or try to do too much. Everything is efficient. His size is great. He’s a multi-positional defender, very good play-maker, fast.

“All of those things have been very good. It translates to this level. Obviously right now we have one more game and then after that we’ll have to discuss and see what the next move going forward is.”

Nelson spent most of his rookie season with Brooklyn’s G League affiliate in Long Island, which still holds his G League rights, though he is now an NBA free agent.

The Nets have an open standard roster spot, and Lewis points to two-way guard Chaney Johnson as a potential candidate for promotion. If converted, Brooklyn must do so by April 12, but it would not be able to replace Johnson’s two-way slot.