Nets Reveal Inside Look at Eventful 2026 Offseason

The Brooklyn Nets gave fans an inside look at one of the busiest offseasons in recent franchise history.

The Nets released a special offseason edition of The Bridge on YouTube, taking fans behind the scenes of the organization’s busy few months that included the 2026 NBA Draft, several major additions in free agency and the continued development of their young core.

The nearly 20-minute video provides a closer look at how Brooklyn approached the offseason and what the organization hopes to build moving forward.

One of the most interesting portions comes before the draft, when the Nets got their first opportunity to meet with Mikel Brown Jr. weeks before ultimately selecting him with the No. 6 overall pick.

After Brooklyn landed the sixth selection in the lottery, there was plenty of discussion about which direction the team would go. The draft featured several highly regarded point guards, including Brown, Darius Acuff, Kingston Flemings and Keaton Wagler.

NBA insider Michael Scotto provided some insight into the Nets’ thinking during the video, explaining that he had spoken with Marks about what Brooklyn would do if it ultimately kept the No. 6 pick.

“In talking with Sean Marks, if they keep the pick, it’s best player available,” Scotto said.

That philosophy ultimately led the Nets to Brown, who was visibly emotional after hearing his name called by Brooklyn on draft night.

“I can’t even put it into words. I’m just full of excitement,” Brown said. “I mean, I’m home. I’m home. I’m calling this home now.”

Brown was not the only young player highlighted throughout the video. Brooklyn also selected Joshua Jefferson at No. 28 and Tyler Bilodeau at No. 43, adding even more talent to a roster that has undergone a significant youth movement over the last two years.

Marks explained that the Nets were looking beyond basketball ability when evaluating their draft picks.

“When you’re adding young bucks to the team, it was super important that they have the Brooklyn grit, the characteristics that we’ve been looking for,” Marks said.

He also emphasized the importance of getting to know prospects away from the basketball court, including their families and inner circles, before making a decision.

The Nets then turned their attention toward reshaping the veteran portion of the roster.

Brooklyn acquired Julius Randle from the Minnesota Timberwolves ahead of the draft, bringing an established All-Star and playoff veteran into a young locker room. Randle discussed his role with the team and made it clear that he understands what is expected of him.

“For me, you know, it’s simple,” Randle said. “You know, I just get to come in and be a leader, really, you know, show guys just how to be a pro.”

Randle also expressed excitement about the amount of young talent already on the roster and his opportunity to help those players develop.

The Nets also made Keon Ellis a priority in free agency, signing him to a two-year contract. Head coach Jordi Fernandez already had experience with Ellis, and the organization clearly valued what the guard could bring on both ends of the floor.

Marks pointed to Ellis’ pace, poise and defensive ability as some of the reasons Brooklyn wanted him.

“He is the ultimate pro,” Fernandez said of Ellis. “I know what I’m getting from Keon. He’s going to continue to get better because he puts the work in every day.”

Brooklyn followed the Ellis signing by bringing in Moritz Wagner on a two-year deal. Wagner’s toughness and competitive nature were emphasized as important additions to a young team that wants to establish a stronger identity.

That identity was one of the biggest themes throughout the video.

The Nets repeatedly talked about finding players who are selfless, competitive and willing to connect with their teammates. Egor Dëmin said the organization places a major emphasis on building the right locker-room culture.

“This organization cares about personalities, and it cares about character,” Dëmin said. “The most important part of the process is to build a great and healthy locker room.”

That approach has created a roster with plenty of competition for playing time.

Brooklyn had a large number of young players competing for opportunities throughout the summer, and the coaching staff believes that competition can ultimately make the entire group better.

“The best thing about the position that we are right now, it’s healthy competition,” Fernandez said. “They all are going to challenge each other. They all are going to have opportunities.”

The video also provides a look at Dëmin and his development heading into his second NBA season. The Nets highlighted his ability to score, defend, pass and make plays while emphasizing how much room he still has to grow.

Dëmin’s willingness to learn has particularly impressed the coaching staff.

“The best part about him is his willingness to learn and ask questions and allow us to coach him,” Fernandez said.

The Nets’ offseason was ultimately about more than simply adding players. Brooklyn has spent the last two years loading up on young talent while also adding experienced players who can help guide that group.

The Nets have made seven first-round picks over the last two drafts. Now, they have Randle, Ellis, and Wagner joining that young core, giving the roster a different mix of youth and experience heading into the 2026-27 season.

The next step will be seeing how all of those pieces fit together on the court.

The Nets seem encouraged by what they saw over the summer, particularly from their young players. The organization’s goal now is to carry that progress into the regular season.

“We’ve gotten better, and that was our goal,” Marks said near the end of the video.

Brooklyn will find out soon enough how much that offseason work translates to wins, but the behind-the-scenes look offered plenty of insight into what the Nets were trying to accomplish over the past few months.