The Brooklyn Nets have one two-way roster spot remaining, and several players made compelling cases for it during Summer League. Here’s a look at the candidates who could earn the final spot — and why Dain Dainja and Ben Humrichous stand out.
The Brooklyn Nets have two of their three two-way roster spots figured out heading into the 2026-27 season.
Chaney Johnson is back after spending last season on a two-way contract, while 2026 second-round pick Tyler Bilodeau has also landed one of the spots.
That leaves one opening.
The Nets don't necessarily have to fill it right away, and there is no reason to believe a decision is imminent. With training camp still ahead, Brooklyn can afford to take its time and see how the competition develops.
There are also plenty of internal candidates to consider.
The Nets had nine players on their Summer League roster who could make a case for the final spot: Aaron Scott, John Ukomadu, Dain Dainja, Hunter Sallis, Ben Humrichous, Dion Brown, Duke Brennan, Dwight Murray Jr. and Grant Nelson.
Except for Nelson, who was sidelined by injury and did not participate in Summer League, each showed flashes at different points. That gives Brooklyn quite a few options to consider.
Two players, however, stand out as particularly intriguing options: Dainja and Humrichous.
Dainja could make the most sense from a roster-construction standpoint.
The 6-foot-9, 255-pound big man brings a physical presence that the Nets don't have much of behind their top two centers. Day'Ron Sharpe is expected to handle the starting center role, with Moritz Wagner serving as his primary backup.
Beyond those two, Brooklyn doesn't have a true third center.
Danny Wolf could theoretically slide up and play the position, but he is better suited to playing the four alongside another big. Wolf also didn't spend much time at center during his rookie season.
That's where Dainja could potentially help.
He played well in the minutes he received during Summer League, showing the physicality and interior presence that could make him an interesting developmental option. A two-way contract would allow the Nets to continue developing him with Long Island while also keeping him available if they need additional frontcourt depth.
Humrichous brings a completely different skill set.
The 6-foot-9 forward is a knockdown shooter who showed that ability during Summer League. The Nets already have plenty of players capable of handling the ball, but having another big wing who can consistently space the floor is always valuable.
His defense remains a work in progress, but if Humrichous can continue knocking down open threes at a high rate, there is an obvious path for him to become an intriguing NBA option.
Of course, the final two-way spot isn't limited to those two.
Scott, Ukomadu, Sallis, Brown, Brennan and Murray all showed enough during Summer League to warrant consideration, and the Nets could still look outside of the players who participated in Las Vegas.
Then there's Nelson.
Assuming he is healthy, Nelson may ultimately be the favorite for the final spot. The 6-foot-11 forward missed Summer League because of his injury, but he already has some NBA experience with Brooklyn and played well during his 10-day contract toward the end of last season.
That familiarity could give him an advantage once training camp arrives.
The Nets also don't have to make the decision immediately. They could bring multiple players into camp and let the competition determine who earns the contract.
For now, Dainja and Humrichous have presented two of the most interesting cases based on what they showed this summer, while Nelson could have the inside track if he returns healthy.
Brooklyn has one two-way spot left, and there is still plenty of time to figure out who deserves it.
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