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Brooklyn Nets Should Evaluate Fully Healthy Team Before Making a Trade

By Zachary Bachar

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 10: Kyrie Irving #11 (left) talks with Kevin Durant #7 of the Brooklyn Nets during a timeout during the first half of the game against the Miami Heat at Barclays Center on January 10, 2020 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Both players were on the bench due to injury. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 10: Kyrie Irving #11 (left) talks with Kevin Durant #7 of the Brooklyn Nets during a timeout during the first half of the game against the Miami Heat at Barclays Center on January 10, 2020 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Both players were on the bench due to injury. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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The Brooklyn Nets have yet to reap the fruits of their labor from the 2020 offseason where they brought in Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, but they should give this team a chance before adding others.

The Brooklyn Nets are in the market for a third star to complement Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving for the 2020-21 NBA season. The most common name brought up is Bradley Beal of the Washington Wizards, enough to the point where he commented on the rumors.

However, Sean Marks and the rest of the Nets’ front office should wait and see how their own roster plays when Irving and KD return next season. Three key pieces of the lineup would likely be included in any trade concerning Bradley Beal. These members should be given ample playing time alongside the Nets’ two superstars before being thrown into a deal for a third All-Star. Here’s why:

Caris LeVert

LeVert is a prime example of the quick turnaround of the Nets’ success. He was selected with the 20th overall pick in the 2016 draft, a selection that Brooklyn received from the Indiana Pacers in return for Thaddeus Young. His rise has coincided with the team’s rapid return to relevancy.

The former Michigan star has upped his scoring average every year of his career despite struggling with injuries, topping out at just under 18 points per game this season. As a slashing shooting guard with a promising jumper (38% from three), Levert seems like a perfect fit alongside Durant and Irving.

Playoff success isn’t highly discussed when talking about a player, but the Nets are going to need someone to step up in the postseason when defenses get tougher. The 25-year old was amazing against the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2019 playoffs as he averaged 21.0 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game on incredible 49/46/72 shooting splits.

Spencer Dinwiddie

Similar to Levert, the former Detroit Piston has increased his scoring average in every season repping the black and white. Despite his sometimes inefficient scoring, Dinwiddie has become an expert in the art of drawing fouls. He ranks 10th in free throws made and eighth in free throws attempted this year.

While he did an admirable job of filling the starting point guard role when Irving was out, it’s clear to see that he struggled going up against top perimeter defenders every night. With a fully healthy team, he can go back to a sixth-man role and dominate bench units while Durant and Irving take a breather.

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His underrated ability as a playmaker helps improve his lineup flexibility, allowing coaches to play him alongside Irving this past season. In fact, the Nets outscored opponents by 6.0 points per 100 possessions when Kyrie and Spencer shared the court. This was the best 2-man unit that Irving was a part of.

Jarrett Allen

His starting spot might still belong to DeAndre Jordan, but there’s no denying the impact that Allen can have on a game. At just 22 years old, he ranks within the top 15 in the league in rebounds per game, blocks per game, and field goal percentage.

He also ranked sixth in offensive rebounds, which is going to be huge in order to get Irving and Durant second chances to score as much as possible. Or, he could always throw it down himself.

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Next. Brooklyn Nets Would Benefit From Delayed 2020-21 Season. dark

The Brooklyn Nets don’t have time to waste, as it’s clear that their title window is open as soon as the 2020-21 season starts. Despite this, they should still evaluate how Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving play with the already established roster before trading the future away in order to create a big three.

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