logo
Nets regarded as team to watch over course of 2025 NBA offseason

Nets regarded as team to watch over course of 2025 NBA offseason

Yahoo4 hours ago

The Brooklyn Nets have plenty of decisions to make this offseason given that they have five picks in the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft along with the most cap space in the league. The Draft begins on June 25 and there is a possibility that free-agency could begin before that so it only makes sense that Brooklyn is regarded as one of the teams to watch this summer.
"The Nets have two things no other team has this offseason: four first-round picks in June and more than $40 million in cap space," ESPN's Bobby Marks said when discussing why the Nets are one of the teams to watch. Heading into the Draft, Brooklyn has the No. 8, No. 19, No. 26, No. 27, and No. 36 overall picks, giving them the most draft capital in the event as well.
Advertisement
"However, unlike the 2019 offseason when Durant and Kyrie Irving signed as free agents, the current roster is not championship ready, even with the addition of an All-NBA player," Marks continued. "Therefore, Brooklyn is a candidate to sign free agents to bloated contracts (similar to what the Indiana Pacers did with Bruce Brown in 2023), take back salary in exchange for draft picks and target restricted free agents with an offer sheet."
One thing that has been made clear since this offseason began has been that the Nets are one of the teams that can execute a number of strategies this summer due to their draft capital and cap space. Brooklyn is still looking for the young player that can potentially be a superstar for them one day and the five draft picks give them multiple bites at that apple while the cap space ensures that they can re-sign their own free-agents and still add proven talent.
However, as Marks pointed out, it seems that the one thing that Brooklyn shouldn't do is use most of their assets to go after a player like Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo or Phoenix Suns superstar Kevin Durant due to the state of the roster. As it stands, it looks like the Nets will will bring in at least two players through the Draft and could use most of their cap space to take chances on restricted free-agents like Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga, for example.
This article originally appeared on Nets Wire: Nets regarded as team to watch over course of 2025 NBA offseason

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Phillies Identified as Potential Trade Fit for Orioles All-Star Felix Bautista
Phillies Identified as Potential Trade Fit for Orioles All-Star Felix Bautista

Yahoo

time13 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Phillies Identified as Potential Trade Fit for Orioles All-Star Felix Bautista

Phillies Identified as Potential Trade Fit for Orioles All-Star Felix Bautista originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Philadelphia Phillies are setting up to be one of the most aggressive teams at this year's MLB trade deadline. Firmly entrenched in the Wild Card race and 4.5 games behind the New York Mets in the NL East, the Phillies are expected to be in the market for relief pitching. Advertisement While closer Jose Alvarado serves an 80-game suspension and is no longer eligible for the postseason, the team has turned to Jordan Romano with frustrating results. In 23.1 innings, the former All-Star has struggled, allowing 28 hits and 12 walks, leading to a 7.71 ERA. As a whole, the bullpen ranks 25th with a 4.56 ERA, proving further why adding one or two pieces will be crucial to keep Philadelphia in a crowded NL playoff hunt. Sports Illustrated's Dylan Sampson recently listed relief pitcher Felix Bautista as a potential fit for the Phillies' bullpen. Baltimore Orioles pitcher Felix Bautista (74) throws a pitch against the Athletics during the ninth inning at Sutter Health Lee-Imagn Images Once a core player to a hopeful Baltimore Orioles perennial playoff contender, Bautista is one of the hottest names on the trade block. While Baltimore is not a confirmed deadline seller, trading Bautista may further strengthen their farm system, setting up the potential for star-caliber acquisitions in the offseason. Advertisement Although Bautista's star has fallen slightly after Tommy John Surgery cost him the entire 2024 season, he has rebounded well. In 21.2 innings of work, the 30-year-old has posted a 3.32 ERA, 28 strikeouts, and 12 saves in 2025. His fastball velocity has dipped post-surgery, but the former All-Star still has the track record any team would want come time for the playoffs. In 2023, Bautista notched 33 saves and 110 strikeouts over 61 innings en route to an All-Star game nod. While he may not be the same player, banking on Bautista in a late-inning role is the aggressive move Phillies' president of baseball operations, Dave Dombrowski, is known to make. Related: Phillies Make Major Zack Wheeler Announcement Ahead of Cubs Series This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 9, 2025, where it first appeared.

Zack Wheeler Breaks Fanchise Record With 1,000th Phillies' Strikeout
Zack Wheeler Breaks Fanchise Record With 1,000th Phillies' Strikeout

Yahoo

time14 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Zack Wheeler Breaks Fanchise Record With 1,000th Phillies' Strikeout

Zack Wheeler Breaks Fanchise Record With 1,000th Phillies' Strikeout originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Zack Wheeler has been nothing short of a phenomenal pitcher during his time in Philadelphia. Ever since the Phillies signed him before the 2020 season, Wheeler has been one of the top arms in all of MLB. With over 90 quality starts, a pair of All-Star appearances, and the National League strikeout crown in 2021, he's become a true ace at the top of the rotation. Advertisement During his latest start Monday night, the veteran righty added another huge accomplishment to his name. In the top of the 6th inning, Wheeler struck out Cubs outfielder Kyle Tucker, becoming the fastest to ever record 1,000 regular season strikeouts in a Phillies uniform. Wheeler reached the milestone in 907.2 innings, beating out franchise greats such as Steve Carlton, Robin Roberts, Cole Hamels, and more. As the above video shows, he got a nice standing ovation from the Philly faithful for his mark. Zack has accumulated 1,726 strikeouts in his entire career, putting him well within striking distance for 2,000 before he retires. That does not include the 77 more he's picked up during the postseason. Advertisement Wheeler currently sits at 10th all-time in total strikeouts among Phillies' pitchers, while teammate Aaron Nola is knocking on Hamels' door in 4th with 1,831. Zack Wheeler struck out seven Chicago Cubs hitters while allowing one run in six innings Monday Ross-Imagn Images Wheeler is currently in the second year of a three-year, $126 million deal that's made him the highest paid pitcher in baseball. Only two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani and Juan Soto have higher annual salaries. At this stage in his career, the 35-year-old Wheeler has won plenty of respect throughout the game. But two things have eluded him to this point: a Cy Young Award, and a World Series Championship. Both remain in sight as this Phillies core tries to finish what they started seven years ago with the Bryce Harper signing. Advertisement Related: Rob Thomson Makes Unfathomable Claim Amidst Phillies' Hitting Woes Related: Phillies' Rising Starter Labeled an 'Intriguing Trade Chip' This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 10, 2025, where it first appeared.

"Kevin Garnett literally posted him deep in the lane, knocked him down, and dunked the ball" - Phil Jackson recalls the Finals play that fueled Pau Gasol to work on his strength
"Kevin Garnett literally posted him deep in the lane, knocked him down, and dunked the ball" - Phil Jackson recalls the Finals play that fueled Pau Gasol to work on his strength

Yahoo

time19 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

"Kevin Garnett literally posted him deep in the lane, knocked him down, and dunked the ball" - Phil Jackson recalls the Finals play that fueled Pau Gasol to work on his strength

"Kevin Garnett literally posted him deep in the lane, knocked him down, and dunked the ball" - Phil Jackson recalls the Finals play that fueled Pau Gasol to work on his strength originally appeared on Basketball Network. Phil Jackson deeply understood the emotional toll that the Los Angeles Lakers experienced after their loss to the Boston Celtics in the 2008 NBA Finals. While Kobe Bryant was undeniably the team's leader and driving force, "The Zen Master" also felt the heavy disappointment that weighed on Lakers' All-Star big man Pau Gasol. Advertisement The memory of that series remains vivid for Coach Jackson, particularly one specific play that served as a turning point in his perspective on Gasol. Despite Pau's impressive skills and relentless effort on the court throughout that playoff run, it became clear to Phil that he was not yet equipped to handle the intense physicality that NBA championship basketball demands. For Jackson, this realization highlighted the challenges the team was about to face if they really wanted to get back to their winning ways. Moreover, it also served as a rude awakening for Gasol. "The humbling defeat by the Celtics during the Finals was a challenge to Pau," the legendary coach reflected. "In the final game, early in the first period, Kevin Garnett literally posted him deep in the lane, knocked him down, and dunked the ball. Probably an offensive foul, but not a call in that Finals." Pau took it personally Like what Jackson sensed in his star power forward at the time, Gasol was also devastated. Though it was only Pau's first trip to the NBA Finals, the feeling of being so close to capturing the coveted championship and ultimately failing left the Spaniard dejected. Advertisement Instead of staying depressed, Gasol took it upon himself to spend the summer getting better. With the unwavering moral support of Coach Jackson and Kobe, "Meal Ticket" found the strength to rise again. He dedicated himself wholeheartedly to rigorous workouts, channeling his energy into building and strengthening his body. "Pau took the challenge and worked on his strength game and was able to fight back in the 2010 Finals," Jackson fondly recalled. As the muscles in his body were developing, Gasol's mind was undergoing a transformation as well. He was laser-focused on achieving nothing short of a championship victory next season, determined to not only contribute to the legacy of the storied franchise but also achieve his ultimate goal. With the entire Lakers organization rallying behind him, Pau felt the immense encouragement that fueled his ambition and drive. The combination of physical conditioning and mental fortitude set the stage for the versatile big man's inspiring comeback, reaffirming his commitment to winning the chip. Advertisement "It had a big effect. The frustration and the pain that it caused us and me personally," Gasol confided as he looked back at the Lakers' championship loss in '08. "It definitely fueled me. It made me a better player. It made me work harder. It made me more prepared. It made me more determined about winning a championship." "Kobe was the same way," he continued. "He had that fire in him. He wanted to win it so badly. That's why he always motivated me along with Phil to be the best version of myself and to be the best player that I could be. To push me and challenge me to be better, I took that personally. That's what mattered to me. It wasn't so much about comments made on the outside. It was a feeling that we didn't get this one, but we're going to do everything we can to get the next one. We put ourselves in a position to do that, and we did," Pau explained. Related: "Dad, you at 17, me at 17, who was better? I said, 'Listen, son...'" - Dominique Wilkins on the moment he realized his son didn't know how great of a player he was Pau got his revenge Just as how he envisioned it, Gasol bounced back stronger in the 2008-09 season. He showcased his all-around skills throughout the year, playing a pivotal role in leading the Lakers to an NBA championship victory over the Orlando Magic. Advertisement Building on this success, the six-time All-Star even elevated his performance to new heights in the following season. Pau delivered the most outstanding playoff performances of his NBA career, impressively averaging 19.6 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game in the 2009-10 postseason. What made this achievement even more significant was Gasol's chance to redeem the Lakers after their disappointing defeat in the '08 Finals. In a thrilling rematch, the Lakers faced off against the Celtics once again. Alongside Andrew Bynum, Gasol played a crucial role in helping his team secure the chip in seven hard-fought games and finally avenging their upsetting defeat. "Of course, Andrew Bynum was unable to play due to injury in the 2008 Finals," Phil further recounted. "But he was injury-free in the 2009 win over Orlando and the seven-game series vs the Celtics in 2010. He and Pau were a potent force together with that Laker team." Advertisement In retrospect, Gasol's championship journey with the Lakers is not only defined by his resilience and talent. It also solidified his place as a key figure in the franchise's history. Related: "They don't think he passes to Pau enough" - Grizzlies fans turned on Jason Williams for not getting the ball to Gasol sufficiently This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jun 9, 2025, where it first appeared.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store