What are the moves that could dictate a strong finish out of Brooklyn?
The year 2025 started with a rigid beginning. But December witnessed a sudden surge out of the Brooklyn Nets that got the team out of league's worst status.
Brooklyn remains deal last in the Atlantic. Few, however, produced the final surge the way the Nets did.
Brooklyn rides a new momentum wave in the new year. But must pull off these three moves to help dictate the 2026 year for head coach Jordi Fernandez, general manager Sean Marks and company.
Throw out Any Trade Idea Involving Michael Porter Jr.
The swap idea rose across the league when Brooklyn was 3-16. Plus with the Nets taking on Porter's ridiculous salary.
Porter, however, surfaced as the new leading scorer. Including kicking off the final month of the year with four straight 30-point games -- then closing with five games of surpassing 20 points.
MPJ even hit a career best mark against the Philadelphia 76ers two days before Christmas. He also spearheaded the upset over Western Conference runner-up Minnesota on Dec. 28 alongside Cam Thomas' 30 points.
It makes zero sense to surrender your new leading scorer. Even if RJ Barrett or Malik Monk is part of a deal. Brooklyn is better off riding with Porter -- and throwing away any trade idea.
Continue Handing This Sharpshooter Starter Minutes
That would be Egor Demin -- one of the prized rookies from the historic five-man first round class from June.
Demin hit a new early career-best shooting mark against Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and the Golden State Warriors. Of all the rookies, he's created the best shooting chemistry with Porter.
Brooklyn is proving to flow so much better offensively with Demin and MPJ together. And the first-year player's presence takes scoring pressure away from the potential NBA All-Star.
Fernandez is better off keeping Demin in the starting lineup.
Keep This Veteran in the Starting 5 Too
Plugging Noah Clowney and moving Porter to the three sparked the newfound defensive energy.
Clowney since has established himself as a blocking and rebounding force. Fernandez himself acknowledged that making the positional size switch has benefitted Brooklyn.
Clowney and Nic Claxton together formed an underrated defensive tandem. Even Porter is a force as a rebounder. Keeping Clowney away from the bench role he previously held keeps Brooklyn competitive on any given night. He's another who deserves more starter minutes as the Nets head toward 2026.
Overall, Brooklyn looks far from a playoff team. But these three moves can either spark a playoff push or fuel future optimism in Prospect Heights.