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Brooklyn Nets have the most free agents this offseason – Predicting which players will go and return
Credit: Jordan Bank/Jacob Kupferman via Getty Images

Brooklyn Nets have the most free agents this offseason – Predicting which players will go and return

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Aaditya Krishnamurthy  |  Last updated Jun 3, 2025 11:15 AM ET

The pivotal first summer of the Brooklyn Nets’ rebuild is here, with a lot of players’ futures up in the air.

The Brooklyn Nets begin their full rebuild in earnest this season. After trading away the likes of Mikal Bridges, Dennis Schroder, and Dorian Finney-Smith last season, they have acquired a wealth of assets.

The Nets did not have the luck in the NBA Draft Lottery, falling to the 8th pick in the draft despite committing to tanking.

However, under new head coach Jordi Fernandez, the team has shown flashes of a new culture emerging. And this summer is crucial to building on that foundation.

The Nets have a league-high 12 players entering free agency this summer. And with their projected $50-$60 million salary cap space, which players will go and which players will return?

Cam Thomas

Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images

2024-25 Stats: 24.0 points, 3.8 assists, and 3.3 rebounds

Status: Restricted Free Agent

Prediction: Re-signed to a team-friendly deal

Ziaire Williams

2024-25 Stats: 10.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.3 assists

Status: Restricted Free Agent

Prediction: Re-signed using the Mid-Level Exception

Day’Ron Sharpe

Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images

2024-25 Stats: 7.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists

Status: Restricted Free Agent

Prediction: Re-signed after renouncing rights to a team-friendly deal

Reece Beckman

2024-25 Stats: N/A

Status: Restricted Free Agent (Two-Way Contract)

Prediction: Will not return to Brooklyn Nets, presumably G-League return

D’Angelo Russell

Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images

2024-25 Stats (with Brooklyn Nets): 12.9 points, 5.6 assists, and 2.8 rebounds

Status: Unrestricted Free Agent

Prediction: Will return either on veteran minimum or a bloated 1-year deal to meet cap requirements

Trendon Watford

2024-24 Stats: 10.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists

Status: Unrestricted Free Agent (Bird Rights)

Prediction: Nets target wing replacement in 2025 NBA Draft, Watford doesn’t return

De’Anthony Melton

Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

2024-25 Stats: 10.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists

Status: Unrestricted Free Agent

Prediction: Will sign with another team, not return to Brooklyn

Keon Johnson

2024-25 Stats: 10.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists

Status: Team Option – $2.3 million

Prediction: Nets activate Team Option

Jalen Wilson

Photo by Jordan Bank/Getty Images

2024-25 Stats: 9.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.8 assists

Status: Team Option – $2.2 million

Prediction: Nets bring Wilson back, presumably for depth

Tyrese Martin

2024-25 Stats: 8.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.0 assists

Status: Team Option – $2.2 million

Prediction: Nets accept Team Option for depth

Drew Timme

Photo by Jordan Bank/Getty Images

2024-25 Stats: 12.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists

Status: Team Option – $2 million

Prediction: Nets accept Team Option

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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