Brooklyn Nets logo (Image Credits: Imagn)

Brooklyn Nets Face Unexpected Roster Dilemma as Potential NBA Expansion Could Force Major Decisions

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Heena Singh | Last updated Mar 16, 2026 3:51 PM ET

The Brooklyn Nets are staring down a headache of epic proportions. Heading into the 2028-29 season, the team will have five first-round picks from the 2025 draft hitting the final year of their rookie deals. Historically, teams can only protect eight players in an expansion draft.

Plus, the NBA is set to vote on new Las Vegas and Seattle franchises next week. So, Brooklyn could lose a core piece of its young roster for pretty much nothing. The Nets currently sit at 17-50, one of the league’s worst records, making them a likely hub for fresh talent.

Michael Porter Jr. and Nic Claxton are locks to protect as established veterans, while rookies Egor Demin and Nolan Traoré are viewed as key future building blocks. That leaves players like Cam Thomas, Day’Ron Sharpe, and Noah Clowney in limbo. Balancing proven talent with recent draft investments is about to get ugly.

An explanation timeline for the 2028-2029 season is tough timing for Brooklyn.

The Nets selected five first round picks last June and all five rookies will be in the final year of their rookie contracts in 2028-2029. Historically, only 8 players can be kept per team.

Planned… https://t.co/aAuZuFUeyl
— Billy Reinhardt (@BillyReinhardt) March 16, 2026

Brooklyn’s front office is already maneuvering. The team was active at the 2026 trade deadline, adding Ochai Agbaji and Josh Minott while waiving vets to maintain flexibility. With 13 first-round picks stashed through 2032, the Nets have firepower to make moves. However, the expansion draft does threaten to turn those assets into a strategic nightmare.

NBA Expansion Timeline and Brooklyn Nets’ Future Draft Assets

Brooklyn Nets (Image Credits: Imagn)

The NBA will now make its first expansion in over 20 years, targeting the 2028-29 season with teams in Seattle and Las Vegas. A formal vote on March 24-25, 2026, requires 23 of 30 governors to approve.

Expansion rules reportedly likely allow teams to protect eight players, leaving unprotected talent available in a snake-format draft, with potential conference realignment for the Timberwolves or Grizzlies. Brooklyn holds 13 first-round picks and 19 second-rounders through 2032. Key picks span 2026-2029, setting up draft leverage and roster planning.

By the expansion draft, many young Nets will be entering their prime, forcing tough protection decisions while balancing developmental needs and future assets.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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