On the latest episode of Nets Fans You Know, NetsDaily writer Chris Miholen and I discussed several topics, including the trade rumors surrounding Kings center Domantas Sabonis. Reports have suggested that Sabonis is looking for a way out of Sacramento, with the Brooklyn Nets potentially emerging as an interested team.

In this companion article, I'll break down the thought process behind two Sabonis-to-Brooklyn mock trades I proposed during the episode and explain why each deal could make sense for both teams.


Why Would the Nets Want Sabonis?


If Sabonis is unhappy and wants to be moved, the Nets could put together a compelling package for the two-time All-NBA center. Brooklyn could offer Sacramento a collection of draft assets while giving Sabonis an opportunity to play in a major market alongside a familiar face in former Kings assistant coach Jordi Fernandez.

Sabonis would become the crown jewel and engine of Fernandez's offense, filling a role the Nets have struggled to establish: a true offensive hub.

He's a walking double-double, and his current averages of 15 points, 14 rebounds, and 6 assists per game would solidify Jordi's offense. Sabonis thrives as a facilitator from the elbow, creating opportunities for teammates while remaining an efficient scorer. He's currently shooting an impressive (but unsustainable) 67% from the field on 9 FGAs per game, with-in a system he would be playing in for the Nets.

There are defensive limitations that come with adding Sabonis, but his offensive production and playmaking could outweigh those concerns for me. 

Financially, Sabonis carries a $45 million cap hit this season and $48 million next season. While that's a significant commitment, Brooklyn has the financial flexibility to absorb the contract. Even with Sabonis accounting for approximately 27% of the salary cap, his contract length would allow the Nets to address a major positional need without sacrificing their long-term financial flexibility.


MOCK TRADE 1: Michael Porter Jr. for Domantas Sabonis


Sacramento Kings receive:

  • Michael Porter Jr.

  • 2027 First-Round Pick (Best of Houston/New York, Top-15 Protected)

  • 2029 Second-Round Pick (Memphis)

  • 2030 Second-Round Pick (Dallas)

  • 2033 Second-Round Pick (Brooklyn)

Brooklyn Nets receive:

  • Domantas Sabonis

In this scenario, Sacramento acquires an expiring contract in Michael Porter Jr., a potential first-round pick in the 20s, and three second-round picks to replenish its draft capital.

The Nets would protect themselves with top-15 protection on the first-round pick while retaining the majority of their future draft assets. 

From Sacramento's perspective, the biggest appeal is the financial flexibility. If the Kings decide not to flip MPJ to another team before the deadline, they could enter the offseason with significant cap space by letting his contract expire alongside the contracts of Zach LaVine and De'Andre Hunter (adding up to a combined 114M). 

For a Kings team looking to reset its direction, the combination of financial flexibility and additional draft capital could make this an appealing return.


MOCK TRADE 2: Julius Randle for Domantas Sabonis


Sacramento Kings receive:

  • Julius Randle, Drake Powell

  • 2027 First-Round Pick (Houston)

  • 2033 First-Round Pick (Brooklyn, Top-18 Protected)

Brooklyn Nets receive:

  • Domantas Sabonis


This is the proposal I would expect to generate the most pushback. The Nets get their man, but at higher cost.

Brooklyn gets off Julius Randle's contract (including his $33 million player option for next season) and add Sabonis, by having to part with young prospect Drake Powell, Houston's 2027 first-round pick, and Brooklyn's top-18 protected 2033 first-round pick.

Sacramento receives additional draft compensation to take on Randle's contract, but the Kings also get a young defensive-minded prospect in Powell who could develop alongside Darius Acuff Jr. Powell's $3.5 million contract could be absorbed using one of Sacramento's traded player exceptions (TPEs).

Sacramento would save $14 million on its cap sheet, while Brooklyn would take on roughly $9 million in additional salary. But even after the deal, the Nets would remain $37 million below the first tax apron.

The biggest selling point for me is getting out of Randle's contract while bringing in a center who better fits Jordi's system.


Which Trade Would I Make?


If I had to choose between the two proposals, I'd say the Julius Randle deal.

Although the Nets give up more assets, the fit is immensely better. 

You may not love these mock trades, I get it. But I think it's time for Sean Marks to capitalize on the years of flexibility and add a proven player that can help this team NOW.


Watch the latest episode of Nets Fans You Know for the latest trade rumors and why NetsDaily writer Chris Miholen thinks there's a "95% chance Micheal Porter Jr is traded by the trade deadline"!








The Brooklyn Nets can't seem to figure out the New York Knicks. Even when leading by four points on Monday night at Madison Square Garden, Brooklyn felt the fatigue and effects of playing on back-to-back nights after earning their first win in Indiana on Sunday. 

The Nets were outscored 28-11, with head coach Jordi Fernandez reluctant to go deeper into his rotations with this starting five and first guys off the bench clearly gassed.

Rookie Mikel Brown Jr. shot 5-of-13 from the field and 1-of-8 from 3-point range in 27 minutes of action. Julius Randle was a putrid 5-of-16 for 21 points with 11 of those coming at the charity stripe. 

Second year guard Nolan Traore shined with 17 points on 6-of-8 shooting with four assists 

The Nets suffered yet another double-digit loss to the Knicks as the losing streak reached 15-games. 

Brooklyn (1-6) takes on the Hornets (3-5) on Wednesday night in Charlotte with the possibility to Kon Knueppel could return for the home team. 


 


On the latest episode of Nets Fans You Know, I broke down a report from Brian Lewis of the New York Post revealing that the Brooklyn Nets rejected the opportunity to trade for former Finals MVP Jaylen Brown in the offseason, and why the organization's reasoning raises some serious questions.

According to Lewis, the Boston Celtics were looking for as many as four first-round picks in exchange for Brown, who was reportedly willing to play in Brooklyn. However, the Nets weren't interested in even discussing a deal, largely because they wanted to avoid another situation like the one they experienced with Kyrie Irving.

So did the Nets make the right decision?

I’ll explain in the episode I believe that they did, but not necessarily for the right reasons.

However, what concerns me was the organization's reluctance to even entertain trade talk with the Celtics. Whenever an All-NBA type player is on the market, you have to at least entertain the idea of making a deal.

After everything that happened with Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and James Harden, it feels like the Nets have swung too far in the opposite direction, prioritizing character and avoiding potential controversy over acquiring talent. Think about their draft picks of Mikel Brown Jr and Egor Demin. In each’s respective post-draft press conference the team constantly repeated how much character is an important virtue to them.

Building a strong culture is important, but talent ultimately wins basketball games. The Nets can't allow the failures of the Big Three era to dictate every decision moving forward.

Passing on Jaylen Brown was probably the right move, but the reasoning behind it might be a bigger problem than the decision itself.

Watch the latest episode of Nets Fans You Know for the full breakdown.





 The Oklahoma City Thunder's title chances just took a major hit. 

After Jalen Williams suffered a gruesome ankle injury and leg injury, and Cason Wallace sustained a serious shoulder injury, it's very likely that both players could be lost for the season.

 

The Thunder are coming off a Western Conference Finals loss to the San Antonio Spurs where J. Williams was hobbled and missed four games in the series. 

It's clear that in order to defeat the defending conference champions, Oklahoma City is going to need reinforcements. 

The Nets have a dead-end vet that can provide the scoring punch and sniper shooting ability to put the Thunder back in the championship conversation. 

Michael Porter Jr would be the perfect addition and adding Terence Mann as a rotational defensive – minded piece off the bench would help the team's depth. 

Assuming that future draft compensation is added, this is a deal that makes sense for both clubs. 




On the latest episode of Nets Fans You Know, sports writer and NetsInsider.com editor Rick Laughland joins Pete to discuss Mikel Brown Jr.’s development, his early-season role off the bench, and what Brooklyn Nets fans should expect from the sixth overall pick during his rookie season.

Despite the excitement surrounding Mikel Brown Jr.’s arrival in Brooklyn, his role coming off the bench has raised questions about how the Nets plan to develop the 6th overall pick of this year's NBA Draft.

After missing three of the Nets’ four preseason games with an ankle injury, Brown played 18 minutes of the preseason finale, giving hope to Nets fans that he would be in the starting 5 come opening night.

Not only did he not start, but head coach Jordi Fernandez would goto confirm that the team would take a cautious approach to his minutes restriction in addition to keeping him out of back-to-back games. Something we have already seen as Brown sat for the 2nd game of this weekend's back-to-back vs the Cavs.

In the episode I brake down the possible benefits of Mikel Brown Jr coming off the bench and why Nets fans need to continue being patient. In particular, I think we need to remember that he not only missed the entirety of training camp, but has only played in 21 NCAA, 4 summer league, and 1 preseason game before his NBA debut.

Given those circumstances, easing Brown into the rotation could be the right move for both his short-term health and long-term development.

Make no mistake, Brown will have plenty of opportunities to earn a starting role this season, and Nets fans should eventually get to see him share the court with fellow young guard Egor Dëmin.

The question isn't if Brown will become a starter, but when.

In this episode Rick and I expand on this, predict when he could enter the starting lineup, and share our expectations for his rookie-season.


If you haven't, you can check out the full episode here: Nets Fans You Know Ep 135 

 



The Long Island Nets are preparing for the 2026-27 NBA G League season, officially announcing their training camp roster as the organization begins assembling the group that will represent the Brooklyn Nets’ G League affiliate in the months ahead.

The Long Island Nets, the NBA G League affiliate of the Brooklyn Nets, have completed their training camp roster of 17 players.

This roster includes seven returning rights players, three affiliate players, three players signed to a two-way contract with the Brooklyn Nets, one NBA G League International Draft selection, and three local tryout participants.

The roster features a combination of returning talent, developing players, and new opportunities for individuals looking to establish themselves in the professional ranks. With 18 players listed, including a designated two-way player, Long Island will have several names to evaluate as training camp gets underway and the team works toward determining its final roster for the upcoming campaign.

Tyler Bilodeau, Dion Brown, Jeriah Coleman, Dain Dainja, Tidjiane Dioumassi, Jordan Dingle, Ben Humrichous, Chaney Johnson, Cedric Mbiaba, Dwight Murray Jr., Grant Nelson, Jonathan Pierre, Wooga Poplar, Nick Pringle, DJ Rodman, Aaron Scott and Isaiah Wong make up the 2026-27 Long Island training camp roster.

The training camp roster provides an early look at the talent Long Island will evaluate as it prepares for another season of player development and competition. With the NBA G League serving as an important pathway for players pursuing NBA opportunities, the coming weeks will be crucial for those hoping to earn a place on the team's final roster.

Three Two-Way Players Lead the Way

One of the most notable aspects of Long Island's roster is the presence of three players on two-way contracts with Brooklyn: Tyler Bilodeau, Chaney Johnson, and Grant Nelson. All three will have opportunities to continue their development with the Long Island organization while working toward additional NBA opportunities.

Bilodeau, a forward selected by Brooklyn in the second round of the 2026 NBA Draft, enters his first professional season after playing college basketball at UCLA. His addition gives Long Island a young frontcourt option with the potential to contribute to the organization's long-term plans.

Johnson and Nelson, meanwhile, bring familiarity with the organization after gaining NBA experience during the previous season. Nelson also made an impression with Long Island, averaging 11.1 points and 5.9 rebounds across 23 G League appearances. His combination of size and offensive versatility makes him an intriguing player to watch as the new season approaches.

A Mix of Familiar Faces and New Opportunities

Beyond the three two-way players, the training camp roster includes several players who have been involved with the Nets organization during the offseason.

Nick Pringle, who signed an Exhibit 10 contract, will look to turn his opportunity into a place on the Long Island roster. The former Alabama and Arkansas big man adds another option to the team's frontcourt rotation as the Nets evaluate their available size and physicality.

Dain Dainja and Ben Humrichous also enter camp looking to build on their involvement with Brooklyn during Summer League and the offseason. Both players have an opportunity to demonstrate what they can bring to the G League level as they pursue professional opportunities.

The roster also features several guards and wings with different paths into the organization. Dwight Murray Jr. and Isaiah Wong are among the players who will look to provide backcourt production, while Jordan Dingle, Dion Brown, DJ Rodman and Aaron Scott add further competition for perimeter roles.

Wooga Poplar and Jonathan Pierre are also names to watch as Long Island evaluates its wing depth. Pierre's returning-player rights were acquired by the Nets in October, while the organization also acquired Poplar's returning-player rights that month. Their inclusion in training camp gives both players an opportunity to continue pursuing roles with the organization.

Other players on the roster include Jeriah Coleman, Dain Dainja, Tidjiane Dioumassi, Jordan Dingle, Ben Humrichous, Cedric Mbiaba, Aaron Scott and Isaiah Wong. Each will have an opportunity to make an impression as the coaching staff evaluates the group's overall fit.

With a combination of young prospects, players with previous professional experience, and individuals seeking to establish themselves, training camp will be an important evaluation period. Competition for roster spots will give players an opportunity to demonstrate their strengths while the organization determines which combinations can best serve the team.

Looking Ahead to the 2026-27 Season

The Long Island Nets will enter the upcoming season with an important role in Brooklyn's broader player-development system. The G League offers players an opportunity to gain meaningful playing time, sharpen their skills, and work toward potential NBA opportunities.

Long Island is scheduled to open its 2026-27 campaign on November 6 against the Greensboro Swarm. The team's home opener at Nassau Coliseum is scheduled for November 13 against the College Park Skyhawks. The 50-game schedule also includes four games in Laval, Quebec, continuing the organization's efforts to bring professional basketball to Canadian fans.

Before the regular season begins, the training camp roster will provide the coaching staff with an opportunity to evaluate the available talent and determine how the pieces fit together. For players looking to earn a spot, every practice and scrimmage represents a chance to stand out.

The announcement marks another step toward the start of the season for Long Island. With several players pursuing NBA opportunities and others looking to establish themselves in the professional ranks, the Nets will have plenty to evaluate as they prepare for another year of G League basketball.

The LI Nets will tip off the 2026-27 season on Friday, Nov. 6, at 7 p.m. against the Greensboro Swarm before hosting the College Park Skyhawks in the home opener on Friday, Nov. 13, at 7 p.m. at Nassau Coliseum.


 

Mikel Brown Jr is starting the season with a minutes restriction and coming off the bench for the Brooklyn Nets. 

The rookie tweaked his ankle during the summer, and Brooklyn's training staff is taking a conservative approach. 



The Nets Insider team debates whether the rookie coming off the bench is a long-term play by the organization, or just temporary until he's nursed back to full health.