The next trade Nets must make after getting Julius Randle from Timberwolves, sending Nic Claxton to Bulls

The Brooklyn Nets have spent the past two seasons absorbing contracts, stockpiling picks, and positioning themselves for the future. But on the eve of this year’s NBA Draft, the Nets made a move that signaled a step toward immediate competitiveness.

Brooklyn acquired Julius Randle and the No. 28 pick in a three-team trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Chicago Bulls. The Nets sent Nic Claxton to the Bulls and the No. 33 pick to the Timberwolves. Chicago sent Mo Gueye to Minnesota.

While the team will miss Claxton’s defense, Randle is a significant upgrade for Brooklyn. He is a proven scorer, an underrated facilitator, and a physical presence. He and Michael Porter Jr. could be an efficient duo in the frontcourt, giving the Nets a pair of offensive weapons.

The Nets, however, should not stop at Randle if they really want to improve and return to the playoffs. With Claxton gone, they need to plug the hole in their interior.

Next trade for Nets

If Brooklyn is really serious about contending, the front office should add a dependable center. With Porter and Randle taking care of the scoring, the Nets need a center who can anchor the frontcourt and do the other intangibles.

A perfect target for them: Domantas Sabonis.

The Sacramento Kings have made Sabonis available for trade talks. While he was limited to only 19 games—the second-fewest of his career—last season due to a torn meniscus, he is still one of the most dependable big men in the NBA. He is a nightly double-double threat, an impressive passer, and a strong defender. His gravity in the paint can help Porter and Randle get open looks.

The three-time All-Star’s biggest asset, however, is his high basketball IQ. For a young squad like the Nets, they need someone who has elite court awareness on both ends, and Sabonis could provide that. He can read defenses, exploit mismatches, and make everything easier for his teammates.

Also, do not forget that Sabonis is still only 30 years old. Just for perspective, Karl-Anthony Towns is of the same age.

Familiarity won’t be an issue as well, as Nets coach Jordi Fernandez was an assistant coach of the Kings from 2022 to 2024. He played a major role in integrating Sabonis into the team’s dynamic offense.

Sabonis has become expendable on the Kings with Maxime Raynaud and Dylan Cardwell showing high upside in their rookie campaigns. Raynaud, in particular, was impressive in filling in for Sabonis, averaging 12.5 points on 57.1% shooting and 7.5 rebounds in just 26.5 minutes.

Nets’ Offer for Domantas Sabonis

The Nets do not have a lot of assets, but they do have plenty of draft capital. They could send Terance Mann, Danny Wolf, and Ziaire Williams, and future picks to the Kings. They could also throw in Joshua Jefferson, whom they selected with the No. 28 pick from the Timberwolves.

With the Kings rumored to be shopping around DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine, it appears the team is keen on retooling with a young core, and Mann, Wolf, and Williams fit the timeline as role players. Wolf, most notably, had his moments this season, averaging 8.9 points, 4.9 points, and 2.2 assists in his first year.

Sacramento selected Darius Acuff Jr. with the No. 7 pick and made a draft-day trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers to acquire Alex Karaban, the No. 29 pick. The pair of moves further hinted that the youth movement could be the front office’s priority.

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