2025 NBA Draft: Brooklyn Nets' Best Decision for Pick No. 22

With Brooklyn acquiring the No. 22 pick from Atlanta, they now have plenty of draft capital to move up in the lottery if a team is willing to make a deal.

Dec 16, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez coaches against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the third quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images

The Brooklyn Nets acquired the No. 22 overall selection from the Atlanta Hawks yesterday in a three-team trade that also involved the Boston Celtics sending Kristaps Porzingis and a second-round pick to the Atlanta Hawks, while the Celtics received Georges Niang and a second-round pick in 2025.

The Nets were also able to secure Terrance Mann in this trade, and luckily did not have to send anything out. However, this does not mean that the Nets are done making moves before the NBA Draft.

The Brooklyn Nets got Terrance Mann and the 22nd pick

They traded away absolutely nothing pic.twitter.com/vO0iOthZTN

— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) June 24, 2025

Rumors have continued to swirl around that the Brooklyn Nets want to move up in this year's NBA Draft, and pick No. 22 could be one of the key pieces in getting a deal done.

Now having five first-round picks in the NBA Draft, Brooklyn has the draft capital and players to move if they are serious about landing another lottery pick for the draft. With both Cam Johnson and Nic Claxton prepared to be moved this offseason, one of them can also be included in a package that can help Brooklyn secure that second lottery pick.

The Brooklyn Nets could package their picks together and look to trade up for Dylan Harper, multiple franchises are keeping an eye on Brooklyn.

per @BrettSiegelNBA pic.twitter.com/C8P08Oxfxh

— Brooklyn Netcast (@BrooklynNetcast) May 24, 2025

Two of Rutgers' star guards, Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper, have been linked to the Nets leading up to the NBA Draft; however, Harper is predicted to land in the top three selection in this draft, while Bailey has been a projected to be a top-five selection himself with some recent falls in mock drafts.

Dec 14, 2024; Piscataway, New Jersey, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Dylan Harper (2) and guard Ace Bailey (4) celebrate after defeating the Seton Hall Pirates at Jersey Mike's Arena. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Because of the recent negative hit that Bailey's draft stock has taken with some of the NBA front offices, several NBA analysts and insiders believe the Nets have a chance at landing Bailey with their lottery pick at No. 8, but there is a chance the guard could be gone by then.

Either one of the guards would pair well alongside the Nets' rising star Cam Thomas, as they can score in high volume just like the Nets guard. And despite the Nets adding Terrance Mann in today's NBA, wings are the way to succeed.

Depending on how enamored Brooklyn is with either of the guards, come draft time will certainly depend on how heavy the Nets push to move up in the draft or secure another lottery pick.