Category: Brooklyn Nets Blog

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Nets and Rockets trade multiple draft picks

The Brooklyn Nets have acquired their 2025 first round draft pick, negating a previously agreed to swap, and their first round pick in 2026, from the Houston Rockets in exchange for a 2025 first round pick swap (Houston/Oklahoma City for Phoenix), the Phoenix Suns’ 2027 first round pick and a the rights to the two most favorable of the Dallas, Phoenix and Houston first round picks in 2029. Brooklyn retains the least favorable of Dallas, Houston and Phoenix’s first round draft picks in 2029.

The Rockets receive:

– In 2025, the rights to swap either their own first round pick or Oklahoma City’s first round pick in exchange for Phoenix’s first round pick.

– Phoenix’s first round pick in 2027.

– In 2029, the rights to the more favorable of either Dallas’ or Phoenix’s first round pick in addition to the right to swap their own first round pick for the less favorable of either Dallas’ or Phoenix’s first round pick.

The Rockets relinquish:

– In 2025, the right to swap either their first round pick or Oklahoma City’s first round pick in exchange for Brooklyn’s first round pick.

– Brooklyn’s first round pick in 2026.

Nets coaching staff for 2024-25 season announced

The Brooklyn Nets yesterday named Steve Hetzel, Juwan Howard, Deividas Dulkys, Connor Griffin and Travis Bader as assistant coaches on Head Coach Jordi Fernández’s staff.

They join Jay Hernandez, Adam Caporn, Ryan Forehan-Kelly and Corey Vinson on Brooklyn’s bench.

Hetzel comes to Brooklyn from Portland, where he was an assistant coach on the Trail Blazers’ staff for the past three seasons (2021-24). He previously served as an assistant coach for three seasons (2018-21) with the Orlando Magic following a four-year stint (2014-18) as an assistant coach with the Charlotte Hornets. Hetzel was also the head coach of the Canton Charge in the NBA G League for one season (2013-14) while Fernández served as his lead assistant coach. The pair helped guide the Cavaliers’ affiliate to a 28-22 record and second-place finish in the East division while allowing the fewest points per game (101.5) of any team in the league. Before his time with the Charge, Hetzel served as a player development coach for four seasons (2009-13) in Detroit. He began his NBA career in the video room, first as an assistant video coordinator with San Antonio for the 2005-06 season and then spending three seasons (2006-09) as a video coordinator in Cleveland. The Allen Park, Mich., native is a graduate of Michigan State University, where he served as a student manager for the men’s basketball team.

Howard joins the Nets’ staff after serving as the head coach of his alma mater, the University of Michigan, for the past five seasons (2019-24). While at the helm in Ann Arbor, the Wolverines compiled an 87-72 record, which included trips to the Sweet 16 (2022) and Elite Eight (2021) in the NCAA Tournament and a regular season Big Ten Conference championship. At the conclusion of the 2020-21 season, Howard earned National Coach of the Year honors. Before his stint leading Michigan, Howard spent six seasons (2013-19) as an assistant coach with the Miami Heat. During his tenure, Miami made three postseason appearances, including securing an Eastern Conference championship in 2014. He joined the coaching ranks after a 19-year (1994-2013) NBA career, where he was a two-time champion (2012 and 2013) as a player for the Heat. In 1,208 career games with Washington, Dallas, Denver, Orlando, Houston, Charlotte, Portland and Miami, Howard recorded averages of 13.4 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 30.3 minutes per game. Selected fifth overall in the first round of the 1994 NBA Draft by Washington, Howard earned an NBA All-Rookie Second Team nomination in 1995 and achieved an All-Star appearance and All-NBA Third Team honors in 1996 as a member of the Bullets. The Chicago native played three seasons (1991-94) at the University of Michigan, where he was a member of the famed “Fab Five” and helped lead the school to back-to-back Final Four and national championship game appearances (1992, 1993). As a junior, he was a unanimous All-Big Ten First Team recipient and an All-America Third Team awardee.

Dulkys joins Brooklyn’s bench after spending the last two seasons (2022-24) as an assistant and player development coach for the Sacramento Kings. The Šilutė, Lithuania, native also spent one season (2021-22) as an assistant coach with the Memphis Grizzlies’ NBA G League affiliate, the Memphis Hustle. Before becoming a coach, Dulkys played professionally overseas, competing with teams in Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Turkey, Italy and Spain over the course of his nine-year playing career (2012-2021). He spent four seasons (2008-12) at Florida State University, where he helped lead the program to the NCAA Tournament in each of his four seasons, including a run to the Sweet 16 as a junior. He ranks third all-time in Seminoles’ history with 203 career 3-pointers made.

Griffin arrives in Brooklyn after three seasons (2021-24) with the Denver Nuggets. He spent the last two seasons (2022-24) as head video coordinator/player development while assisting a postseason run in 2023 that resulted in the Nuggets’ first NBA championship. Griffin originally joined Denver ahead of the 2021-22 season as an assistant video coordinator. The Lake Oswego, Ore., native began his coaching career at Pepperdine University, where he started as a graduate manager for the men’s basketball team for two seasons (2018-20) before transitioning to video coordinator for the men’s and women’s basketball programs (2020-21). Griffin was a walk-on player at Gonzaga University, where he played in 29 games over two seasons (2013-15) and helped the Bulldogs to a pair of West Coast Conference championships. He then transferred to the University of Washington, where he joined the football program as a tight end and wide receiver for two seasons (2015-16), during which the Huskies won the 2016 Pac-12 championship game and earned a berth to the College Football Playoff. Griffin concluded his collegiate career in the NAIA at Vanguard University and played on the Lions’ basketball team in 2017-18.

Bader begins his fifth season as part of the Nets organization and his first as an assistant coach. He spent the last two seasons (2022-24) as the team’s head video coordinator following a two-year stint (2020-22) as a video seasonal assistant. Bader played basketball professionally in the NBA G League for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers (2015) and Austin Spurs (2019) and internationally in France, Lithuania, Italy, Greece and Spain. He also competed in The Basketball Tournament (TBT), an annual winner-take-all single elimination tournament, with Overseas Elite, helping lead the squad to three-straight tournament championships (2015-17). The Okemos, Mich., native spent five years (2009-14) at Oakland University, where he set the then all-time NCAA career record for 3-pointers made (504). His marks currently rank fifth all-time, and he is still just one of five players in NCAA history to make 500 or more 3-pointers in a career.

Hernandez (second season), Caporn (fourth season with the organization and third as an assistant coach), Forehan-Kelly (ninth season with the organization and fifth as an assistant coach) and Vinson (second season) return to Brooklyn’s bench and will join Fernández and the newly appointed assistants to round out Brooklyn’s coaching staff ahead of the 2024-25 season.

Nets hire Jordi Fernandez as their new head coach

The Brooklyn Nets recently named Jordi Fernández as the 24th head coach in the franchise’s NBA history.

“We’re thrilled to announce Jordi Fernández as Brooklyn’s new head coach,” said General Manager Sean Marks. “As we progressed through an extensive search over the past six weeks, it became increasingly clear that Jordi is the best coach to lead our team forward. Jordi brings a diverse set of experiences and basketball knowledge gained over the course of a coaching career that has taken him around the world. Each step of the way, Jordi has consistently demonstrated the ability to implement strong processes and creative systems designed to optimize each team’s specific roster. He’s proven the ability to build genuine relationships and garner the respect of players of all levels, and we’re confident that our players will benefit greatly from his expertise. We look forward to Jordi, Kelsey and their children joining the Nets family and calling Brooklyn home.”

Fernández joins the Nets after spending the last two seasons (2022-24) as associate head coach of the Sacramento Kings. Last season, he helped lead the Kings to the 2023 Pacific Division title and the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference in Sacramento’s first postseason appearance since the 2005-06 season.

The Badalona, Spain, native also currently serves as the head coach of Canada’s Senior Men’s National Team, a position he has held since June 2023. Last summer, he led Canada to a bronze medal at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, representing Canada’s first-ever medal in the event. Under Fernández’s direction, Canada registered an overall record of 6-2, including a win over Team USA for third place.

“We are excited to welcome Jordi Fernández and his family to the Nets big family. Jordi’s character as a leader and his emphasis on structure, process and habits will instill a Nets identity that our fans will want to root for,” said Nets Governor Joe Tsai. “We look forward to working with Jordi to build a sustainable winning culture in Brooklyn.”

Yet again, Nets guard Ben Simmons out for remainder of season

Brookly Nets guard Ben Simmons will remain out for the remainder of the season while he consults with specialists and explores treatment options for the nerve impingement in his lower back. Simmons, along with his representatives and Nets medical personnel, are currently in discussions with numerous experts to determine the course of action that will provide him with the best opportunity for long-term sustainable health.

Via the NY Post:

Simmons has missed 47 games this season and after he misses the next 20, he will have played in just an absurd 57 of 191 total games since the Nets acquired him at the 2022 trade deadline.

Over those three seasons, Simmons has made $103.3 million, meaning he has made an outrageous $1.82 million per game played.

With a $40 million expiring salary next season, the Nets could attempt to trade him this summer or possibly even buy him out.

Via NY Newsday:

It’s the third straight season in which Simmons’ availability and production has been extremely limited due to his back issues. It’s the second time this season he’s dealt with the injury.

Nets sign Jacob Gilyard to two-way contract

The Brooklyn Nets this past Saturday signed guard Jacob Gilyard to a two-way contract.

Gilyard (5’9″, 160) has appeared in 37 games (14 starts) with Memphis this season, posting averages of 4.7 points, 1.2 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 17.7 minutes per game. The 25-year-old Gilyard has also played in five games (all starts) for the Memphis Hustle in the NBA G League, recording averages of 14.2 points, 2.4 rebounds, 9.8 assists and 1.6 steals in 34.1 minutes per contest. The second-year pro appeared in one game for the Grizzlies last season after signing a two-way contract with the team on April 8, 2023. He spent the majority of the 2022-23 season with the Hustle, appearing in 31 regular season games (25 starts) and averaging 8.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, 9.8 assists and 1.9 steals in 30.4 minutes per game. The Kansas City, Mo., native went undrafted in the 2022 NBA Draft after a five-year collegiate career (2017-22) at the University of Richmond, where he became the NCAA’s all-time Division I steals leader with 466 career swipes. In 154 games (all starts) for the Spiders, Gilyard recorded averages of 13.2 points, 2.9 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 3.0 steals in 37.3 minutes per contest.

Brooklyn’s roster stands at 18 players, including three two-way players.

Nets sign Jaylen Martin to two-way contract

The Brooklyn Nets yesterday signed guard/forward Jaylen Martin to a two-way contract.

Martin (6’6″, 216) has appeared in 15 games (eight starts) for the Westchester Knicks in the NBA G League this season, averaging 15.0 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 27.9 minutes per game. He also appeared in 16 Showcase Cup games (five starts) for Westchester, recording averages of 9.7 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 21.8 minutes per contest. The Tallahassee, Fla., native went undrafted in the 2023 NBA Draft after spending the 2022-23 season with the YNG Dreamerz of Overtime Elite. The 20-year-old posted averages of 14.0 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.6 steals in 23.3 minutes per game in 10 regular season Overtime Elite games last season and finished second in the league’s Most Improved Player voting.

Brooklyn’s roster now stands at 17 players.

Nets fire head coach Jacque Vaughn

The Brooklyn Nets have relieved Jacque Vaughn of his head coaching duties. An interim head coach will be named in the near future.

“This was an incredibly difficult decision, but one we feel is in the best interest of the team going forward,” said Nets General Manager Sean Marks. “Jacque has represented this organization with exemplary character and class for the past eight years. The consistent positivity and passion he poured into our team daily will remain with the players and staff he interacted with throughout his tenure. We thank Jacque for all he has done for the Nets and the borough of Brooklyn, and wish him, Laura and their family nothing but the best in the future.”

Over parts of three seasons as head coach in Brooklyn, Vaughn compiled a record of 71-68 (.511).

Per the New York Post, “Nets actually started the season well, winning 13 of their first 23 games. But very little has gone right since, and Vaughn was made the scapegoat for the team’s many shortcomings. Star wing Mikal Bridges sounded the alarm after the ugly loss to the Celtics, questioning the team’s effort.”

Per New York Newsday, “the Nets have spiraled this season, having lost 18 of their last 24 games. In their last game before the All-Star break, the Nets lost by 50 points in Boston, the worst loss of their Brooklyn era and second-worst loss in franchise history. The Nets are 21-33 this season and in 11th place in the Eastern Conference, 2.5 games out of the play-in portion of the NBA playoff race.”

Three-team trade sends Yuta Watanabe to Grizzlies, Royce O’Neale to Suns

In a three-team trade today, the Memphis Grizzlies acquired forwards Yuta Watanabe and Chimezie Metu and a future first round pick swap from the Phoenix Suns in a three-team trade also involving the Brooklyn Nets.

As part of the deal, Memphis traded forward David Roddy to Phoenix, and Brooklyn traded forward Royce O’Neale to Phoenix for forward Keita Bates-Diop, guard Jordan Goodwin and three future second round picks.

In a related move, the Grizzlies waived guard Victor Oladipo.

Watanabe (6-9, 215) has competed in 208 games (nine starts) in six seasons with Memphis, Toronto, Brooklyn and Phoenix and has averaged 4.2 points and 2.3 rebounds in 13.3 minutes since going undrafted in the 2018 NBA Draft. The 29-year-old became the second Japanese-born player in NBA history as member of the Grizzlies, where he played the first two seasons (2018-20) of his NBA career following four collegiate years at George Washington. He shot a career-high 44.4 percent from 3-point range as a member of the Nets last season.

Metu (6-9, 225) has appeared in 246 games (31 starts) in six seasons with San Antonio, Sacramento and Phoenix and has averaged 5.6 points and 3.3 rebounds in 12.8 minutes since he was selected 49th overall in the 2018 NBA Draft out of USC. The 26-year-old Los Angeles native averaged 5.0 points in 12.1 minutes for the Suns this season.

Roddy (6-5, 255) has played 118 games (17 starts) in two seasons with Memphis and has averaged 7.4 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 20.1 minutes since he was selected by Philadelphia with the 23rd overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft out of Colorado State. The 22-year-old Minneapolis native averaged 8.4 points in 23.2 minutes in 48 appearances this season.

Oladipo (6-4, 213) was acquired by Memphis from the Houston Rockets on February 1. The 31-year-old has appeared in 504 games (397 starts) in 10 seasons.

Raptors trade Dennis Schroder, Thaddeus Young to Nets for Spencer Dinwiddie

The Brooklyn Nets have acquired guard Dennis Schröder and forward Thaddeus Young in a trade with the Toronto Raptors for guard Spencer Dinwiddie.

In a related move, the Nets have requested waivers on center Harry Giles III.

Also, the Raptors have waived Dinwiddie

Schröder (6’3″, 175) has played in 51 games (33 starts) this season for the Raptors, producing averages of 13.7 points on 44.2 percent shooting from the field, 35.0 percent shooting from 3-point range and 85.2 percent shooting from the free-throw line, 2.7 rebounds and 6.1 assists in 30.6 minutes per game. His 3.77 assist-to-turnover ratio ranks 10th in the league and represents a career-best mark, while his assists per game and turnovers per game (1.6) are both approaching the best single-season marks of his career. The 30-year-old has not missed a game this season after helping lead his native Germany to the country’s first-ever gold medal at the FIBA World Cup this past summer, earning FIBA World Cup MVP honors in the process. Across 11 NBA seasons with Atlanta (2013-18), Oklahoma City (2018-20), the Los Angeles Lakers (2020-21, 2022-23), Boston (2021-22), Houston (2022) and Toronto (2023-24), Schröder has recorded averages of 14.0 points on 43.4 percent shooting from the field, 33.8 percent shooting from distance and 83.7 percent shooting from the free-throw line, 2.9 rebounds and 4.8 assists in 27.1 minutes per contest in 739 games (350 starts). Schröder was originally selected with the 17th overall pick in the first round of the 2013 NBA Draft by Atlanta after playing professionally for three years in Germany, garnering Bundesliga Most Improved Player and Bundesliga Best German Young Player honors in his final season in 2013 with Phantoms Braunschweig.

Young (6’8″, 225) has seen action in 1,162 games (726 starts) across 17 seasons with Philadelphia (2007-14), Minnesota (2014-15), Brooklyn, Indiana (2016-19), Chicago (2019-21), San Antonio (2021-22) and Toronto (2022-24), registering averages of 12.2 points on 50.3 percent shooting from the field, 5.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.4 steals in 28.3 minutes per contest.

Dinwiddie played in and started 48 games this season for the Nets, recording averages of 12.6 points, 3.3 rebounds and 6.0 assists in 30.7 minutes per game. He appeared in 348 games (206 starts) across two stints with Brooklyn (2016-21, 2023-24), averaging 14.2 points, 3.1 rebounds and 5.7 assists in 28.7 minutes per contest.

Giles played in 16 games off the bench for the Nets this season, averaging 3.4 points and 1.6 rebounds in 5.1 minutes per game. Giles was originally signed as a free agent by Brooklyn on Sept. 6, 2023.

Nets waive Armoni Brooks

The Brooklyn Nets have requested waivers on guard Armoni Brooks.

Brooks signed a two-way deal with the Nets on July 18, 2023. He appeared in 10 games as a reserve with Brooklyn this season and averaged 4.2 points and 1.8 rebounds in 10.4 minutes per game. Over 84 career NBA games (16 starts) in three seasons with Brooklyn, Toronto and Houston, Brooks holds career averages of 6.6 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 17.5 minutes per contest. The 25-year-old also played in 12 Showcase Cup games (four starts) with Brooklyn’s NBA G League affiliate, the Long Island Nets, averaging 14.6 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 26.1 minutes per game, as well as two regular season games with Long Island, averaging 17.5 points, 3.0 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 22.8 minutes per contest.