6 Developmental Players the Nets Should Target

Not every roster move in a rebuild is about immediate impact.

While much of the focus around the Brooklyn Nets’ cap space has centered on high-upside swings and established rotation players, the final layer of roster building is often the most overlooked. These are the developmental bets and low-cost upside swings that rebuilding teams take every offseason.

Earlier this week, I looked at five high-upside swing targets the Nets could pursue with their cap space, followed by three high-level role players who could help strengthen the roster. This final group focuses on a different type of target: developmental players and change-of-scenery bets who could provide value without requiring a major financial commitment.

For a team still in the early stages of its rebuild, these types of players matter just as much as the headline moves.

This group can be split into two categories: developmental timeline fits and change-of-scenery upside bets.

Precious Achiuwa represents one of the clearest examples of a player who finally found the right opportunity and capitalized on it. After beginning last season sitting in free agency without a team, he signed with Sacramento and went on to put together the best year of his career.

At 26 years old, Achiuwa averaged 10.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 0.9 steals across 73 games, including a career-high 57 starts. It was the first time he consistently played a defined role, and the production reflected a player who had long been capable of more when given the opportunity. He showed defensive versatility, energy, and rebounding impact that translated into real rotation value.

Reports out of Sacramento suggest a reunion is very much on the table, with ESPN 1320’s James Ham noting that a return is “very, very likely.” After playing on a minimum deal last season, Achiuwa is expected to be in line for a raise in the $5 to $8 million per year range.

Ousmane Dieng is one of the more unusual trade deadline stories in recent memory. At just 23 years old, he was moved from Oklahoma City to Charlotte, then to Chicago, and finally landed in Milwaukee within a span of days.

Once a lottery pick in 2022, Dieng began to show real signs of growth with the Bucks. In 30 games, he averaged 11.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in 26.8 minutes per game, flashing the versatility that made him an intriguing prospect entering the league. At 6-foot-9 with legitimate ball skills, he still has clear developmental upside and fits the mold of a modern multi-positional forward. A new deal in the range of $5 to $8 million annually over three to four years feels realistic.

Spencer Jones went undrafted in 2024 before signing a two-way contract with Denver. At 6-foot-7 and 25 years old, he quickly earned a larger role due to injuries within the Nuggets’ rotation and made the most of his opportunity.

Jones emerged as a reliable defensive presence and efficient role player, shooting 50.4 percent from the field and 39.6 percent from three while averaging 5.5 points and 3.3 rebounds. His production eventually earned him a standard NBA contract after the Nuggets converted his deal at the deadline. He profiles as a low-cost rotation wing and could command a two- to three-year deal in the $6 to $8 million range.

Blake Wesley remains one of the more intriguing guard prospects still trying to establish himself in the league. Drafted 25th overall in 2022 by San Antonio, he spent his first three seasons with the Spurs before being traded to Washington, where he was later bought out. He then signed with Portland as he continued searching for a stable NBA role.

The talent is still there, particularly his speed and ability to pressure defenses, but Wesley is entering a critical stage of his career where he needs to prove he belongs in a steady NBA rotation. He is likely heading into a prove-it season on a minimum deal.

Jett Howard, the 11th overall pick in the 2023 draft, has yet to find a consistent footing in Orlando. Now 22 years old, he has been limited by inconsistent playing time, which has led to uneven production early in his career.

Last season, Howard averaged 5.5 points while shooting 37.2 percent from three, showing the shooting ability that made him a lottery selection. With Orlando’s roster depth limiting his opportunity, a change of scenery is a realistic possibility, and Brooklyn could emerge as a natural landing spot given the organizational connection. His father, Juwan Howard, is currently an assistant coach with the Nets. He is likely to be available on a minimum contract or short-term prove-it deal.

Jaylen Clark was selected 53rd overall by Minnesota in 2023 and missed his entire rookie season due to a torn Achilles. Since returning, the 24-year-old has played a limited but impactful role for the Timberwolves, moving in and out of the rotation as he works his way back into consistent NBA form.

Originally on a two-way contract, Clark was converted to a standard deal in February 2025. His defensive energy and effort stand out immediately, even if his offensive role remains limited. Minnesota is likely to retain him, but if he becomes available, he would likely be on a minimum contract.

These are not the names that define offseason headlines.

For Brooklyn, finding value with these types of players could be just as important as any big signing. Developmental bets and low-cost upside swings allow teams to cycle talent, identify hidden value, and build depth without sacrificing flexibility.

Not all of these players will work out, but finding even one or two contributors from this group would be a win for Brooklyn's rebuild.

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