The Brooklyn Nets, currently the NBA’s lone team with available cap space, are actively exploring in-season trades and are willing to absorb unwanted contracts if a draft pick or prospect is attached, league sources told The New York Post.
Although Brooklyn can take on money without sending salary back, rival clubs with mid-season exceptions—most notably the Jazz and Wizards—could challenge the Nets for salary-dump deals, an assistant general manager said. According to that executive, Brooklyn’s front office has historically demanded sizable returns in those transactions, raising the possibility that cheaper alternatives elsewhere may undercut the Nets’ leverage.
Nets also open to calls on Cam Thomas
Brooklyn is expected to entertain inquiries on several players, including third-year guard Cam Thomas, but any trade involving him would require his approval under collective-bargaining rules. Multiple league executives questioned whether a robust market exists for the volume-scoring guard, noting that coaching staffs have struggled to integrate his offense into consistent winning lineups. One Eastern Conference personnel man wondered if Thomas would even receive a full mid-level exception in free agency.
Mavericks, Suns, Pacers among clubs weighing moves
• The Mavericks are open to discussion on several veterans yet do not plan a wholesale teardown, The Athletic reported. Opposing executives believe Dallas is more likely to keep Anthony Davis past the February 5 deadline than trade him.
• Previous speculation linked the Suns to Kings All-Star center Domantas Sabonis, but a Suns After Dark report indicates Phoenix is not pursuing the big man at this time.
• With the Pacers seeking a long-term answer in the middle, The Indianapolis Star outlined potential trade targets who could fill that role.
League-wide deadline outlook
• In separate columns, The Athletic’s Zach Harper categorized likely buyers, sellers and stand-pat teams, while colleague John Hollinger listed players he expects to dominate rumor mills. Alongside headline names such as Jonathan Kuminga, Hollinger highlighted under-the-radar candidates like Mike Conley (Timberwolves), Ousmane Dieng (Thunder), Jeremy Sochan (Spurs) and CJ McCollum (Wizards).
• NBC Sports’ Kurt Helin pointed to Nets center Nic Claxton as a potential fit for the Warriors and suggested the Lakers could have interest in Kings guard Keon Ellis as the February deadline approaches.
The trade window runs through February 5, giving front offices roughly seven weeks to determine whether to buy, sell or stand pat.
Source: Hoops Rumors
