Nets Roster: How Much Better Is the Team in 2026-27?

The Brooklyn Nets won just 20 games last season, but this year's team looks a lot different on paper. General manager Sean Marks made some major changes over the offseason, bringing in established NBA talent while adding two first-round picks who could become important pieces of the franchise's future.

Of course, losing players like Nic Claxton and Ziaire Williams isn't insignificant. Both brought valuable defensive abilities to Brooklyn, and replacing what they provided won't necessarily be easy. However, when you look at the roster as a whole, it's hard not to feel better about the Nets heading into the 2026-27 season.

Brooklyn moved on from several players who struggled to establish themselves as consistent contributors and replaced them with a combination of proven veterans and promising young talent. After a 20-win season, that's exactly the kind of change the organization needed.

Ochai Agbaji was one of the more straightforward departures. Brooklyn acquired him from Toronto at last season's trade deadline as part of a salary dump, but he didn't do enough during his time with the Nets to earn another contract. He eventually signed a training camp deal with the New York Knicks, who released him before the regular season.

Jalen Wilson had been around the Nets for several seasons and occasionally stepped into a bigger role when injuries opened the door. He showed that he could contribute, but Brooklyn ultimately didn't have room for him on its roster. Wilson has since signed a two-way contract with the Atlanta Hawks.

Malachi Smith's situation was a little different. After spending most of last season with the Long Island Nets, he earned a multi-year contract late in the year as a reward for his development and contributions. Unfortunately, that wasn't enough to secure his place on Brooklyn's roster moving forward. The Nets waived him during the offseason, and he has since joined the Toronto Raptors on a two-way deal.

The two departures that stand out the most, though, are Claxton and Williams. Claxton had been a major part of Brooklyn's defense, protecting the rim and giving the team an athletic presence in the paint. Williams brought defensive versatility and could match up against different types of players. Losing both leaves some questions about how the Nets will defend, but it also gives the team an opportunity to build a different identity.

Brooklyn also moved on from two-way players EJ Liddell and Tyson Etienne, neither of whom returned to the organization. Both have since signed overseas.

So, how did Marks respond to all those departures? By bringing in players who should give the Nets a better chance to compete while continuing to develop their young core.

Julius Randle is the biggest name coming to Brooklyn. The multiple-time All-Star gives the Nets a proven scorer and playmaker who can create his own offense and make life easier for his teammates. Brooklyn needed more offensive production, and Randle should immediately help in that department. His experience is another bonus for a young roster that could benefit from having a veteran who has played in meaningful games.

Keon Ellis and Moritz Wagner also give the Nets more experienced options. Ellis brings perimeter defense and shooting, while Wagner provides toughness, energy, and another scoring option in the frontcourt. Both have playoff experience, and having players who understand what it takes to compete at a high level should help as Brooklyn works to establish itself.

The draft was another important part of the offseason. Mikel Brown Jr., selected sixth overall, has the potential to become Brooklyn's point guard of the future. He still has plenty to learn at the NBA level, but his development will be one of the biggest storylines to follow this season. If he grows into the player the Nets believe he can be, Brooklyn could finally have a long-term answer at point guard.

Joshua Jefferson, selected 28th overall, gives the team another young player to develop. His versatility makes him an intriguing addition, and he has a chance to carve out a role as he gets accustomed to the NBA. Neither rookie needs to become a star immediately, but both give the Nets something they can build around in the coming years.

Brooklyn also made changes to its two-way group. Tyler Bilodeau, the 43rd overall pick, arrives with several years of college experience and an ability to stretch the floor with his three-point shooting. Grant Nelson earned his two-way contract after making the most of his opportunities with Long Island and during his 10-day deal with Brooklyn last season. He showed enough to deserve another opportunity, and now he'll have a chance to continue proving himself.

When you put everything together, the Nets look considerably better equipped than they did a year ago. That doesn't mean every new addition will work out, or that the team will suddenly become a playoff contender. Brown and Jefferson will need time to develop, the rotation will take time to settle, and Brooklyn still has to figure out how to replace Claxton's defensive presence.

But there's a difference between a team that struggles to find reliable production and one that has multiple established players capable of making an impact. Randle gives Brooklyn a legitimate offensive centerpiece, Ellis and Wagner add experience, and the rookies provide potential for the future. That's a much more encouraging combination than what the Nets had last season.

The biggest question now is how many wins these changes will actually produce. Improving on 20 victories should be the goal, and a noticeable jump is possible if the roster stays healthy and the new pieces fit together. Randle's production could make a real difference, while continued development from Brown and the other young players would give Brooklyn even more reason to be optimistic.

Marks deserves credit for the work he's done. He has reshaped the roster without sacrificing the opportunity to develop young talent, and the Nets have more options heading into this season than they did last year.

Brooklyn still has a lot to prove, but it's difficult to look at these offseason moves and not see progress. The Nets won 20 games with last year's group. With a new All-Star, additional veteran help, and two first-round picks joining the mix, the question is no longer just about how the team will develop. It's about how much better that development can translate into wins. For a team coming off a season like the Nets just had, that's a pretty encouraging place to start.