Ranking the Brooklyn Nets' five best trade assets

The Nets are open for business. 

According to The Athletic's Sam Amick, the franchise is shopping its entire roster ahead of the Feb. 6, 2025 trade deadline. And they certainly have a battery of players who would command interest from contending teams. Here, we rank their five best assets. 

No. 5 Dorian Finney-Smith
2024-25 stats: 11.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 42.5% 3PT

The veteran 3-and-D wing would be a solid addition for any contender. With a team-friendly contract (player option of $15 million for 2025-26), he wouldn't cost a whole lot either. He leads all Nets starters in plus-minus this season and has been his steady self on both ends. While Finney-Smith doesn't have a wealth of playoff experience, he played a key role in Dallas' run to the conference finals in 2022.

No. 4 Cam Thomas
2024-25 stats: 24.6  points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 39.2% 3PT

The 23-year-old gunner would be a better pickup for a young team that is okay with him attempting 17.8 shots a night like he has in Brooklyn. Unless, of course, he's willing to embrace a sixth-man role. His defense is too suspect for him to play a role on a contender. There's a reason he has the worst plus-minus among all Nets starters. His super-friendly contract makes him an attractive piece nonetheless.

No. 3 Nic Claxton
2024-25 stats: 8.6  points, 7.7 rebounds, 1.2 blocks, 65.1% FG

As one of the best screeners and rim runners in the NBA, Claxton will always have suitors. Nets coach Jordi Fernandez has eased him into a starting role due to his early season hamstring issues. Few centers in the league can protect the rim better than Claxton. Last season, he was seventh in the NBA in contested two-point shots, above defensive stalwarts like Anthony Davis and Victor Wembanyama. He is signed through 2027-28, so a team will be acquiring him for the long haul. 

No. 2 Dennis Schroder
2024-25 stats: 17.8  points, 6.5 assists, 1.3 steals, 41.4% 3PT

The German guard is in the middle of a career resurgence, averaging his most points since 2019-20 and shooting a career-high from three. A proven veteran, he would fit seamlessly with any contender as a starter or off the bench. As a two-way player, he won't force coaches to change their rotations drastically. Most importantly, he has a ton of experience playing in big games, be it for Germany on the world stage or in the NBA playoffs.  

No. 1 Cameron Johnson
2024-25 stats: 18.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 39.3% 3PT

The departure of Mikal Bridges opened the door for Johnson to take on a larger role, an opportunity he seized emphatically. The North Carolina alum is averaging career-highs in points, 3PM per game (3.1) and assists while upping his shooting efficiency across the board. He has also shown the ability to run a fast break, making him an intriguing fit for a team such as the Lakers or Warriors. He is arguably the best 3-and-D wing available on the trade market.

The Nets (6-9) are technically in the hunt for a playoff spot, but it's been long believed that the rebuilding franchise is looking to make a big splash at the 2025 NBA Draft, where it will select three times in the first round (its own pick, New York's unprotected first and Phoenix's unprotected first).

With promising talents such as Cooper Flagg, Airious "Ace" Bailey and Dylan Harper entering the league next year, Brooklyn can't be blamed for tanking the 2024-25 season in search of its next franchise star.