The Nets can become a legitimate contender within the next 12 months through some simple and realistic moves:
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Trading Claxton+ Finney-Smith to the Grizzlies for Aldama, Steven Adams and 3 picks including a 2024 1st at the deadline
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With the 2024 pick from the grizzlies (which will probably be from 15-22) draft Bronny James
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Sign Lebron James to the minimum. Lebron has stated repeatedly that he wants to play with Bronny before he retires. Lebron is still playing at an all-nba level.
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Trade Cam Thomas+ expiring Ben Simmons + 4 firsts for Donovan Mitchell. Mitchell has 1 year left on his deal. The Cavs objectively so far have looked a lot better without Mitchell and the timelines don’t match for them. Mitchell has reiterated his interest in playing in NY
Starting lineup: Lebron/Mitchell/Bridges/Johnson/Adams Bench: DSJ/Walker/O’Neal/Aldama/Sharpe
THIS is 100% a contender next year and likely the greatest chance the Nets have to becoming one in the next decade.
Bron looks better this season than he has in 2 years