Brooklyn Nets' Salary Cap Situation This NBA Offseason

Thomas is projected to make around $100 million over four years, while Johnson and Claxton are expected to be traded this summer, freeing up even more cap space depending on the return.

Brooklyn could be the biggest players in free agency with its cap space, but the organization is more likely to target young players such as Jonathan Kuminga and Josh Giddey rather than established stars like Julius Randle and James Harden if they're available.

If Johnson, Claxton, and Thomas are all on the team next season, they'd be expected to eat up over $70 million in cap space. Johnson is making about $21 million, while Claxton is making just over $25 million. While that wouldn't be a major concern, it's something to note if the Nets end up targeting more free agents.

The players selected in the draft are also worth noting regarding the salary cap. If Brooklyn keeps its four first-round picks, that's estimated to be a combined $16.4 million for the 2025-26 season, according to ESPN analyst and NBA salary cap expert Bobby Marks.

Brooklyn has the freedom to go in any direction this offseason, but the front office must be strategic and note that while the Nets have plenty of salary cap space, it can go away in an instant. They need to be cautious and emphasize youth to ignite an exciting rebuild.