New Update Given on Potential Brooklyn Nets Offseason Targets

The Brooklyn Nets are in the midst of a rebuild that could continue for the next few years, but there's also a solid possibility that the 2026-27 NBA offseason brings plenty of changes to their organization, including ones that could immediately make them competitive.

Brian Lewis of the New York Post reported back in mid-March that the Nets will have conversations about potentially going all in and significantly improving the roster for as soon as next season. With plenty of stars either entering free agency or rumored to hit the trade market this summer, Brooklyn has the cap space and draft capital to make a move.

Mike Scotto of HoopsHype recently shed light on a few players whom the Nets could go after this offseason. Appearing on YES Network, he spoke on Denver Nuggets forward Peyton Watson, who will hit restricted free agency over the summer.

Denver Nuggets forward Peyton Watson is having a breakout season and will be one of the top restricted free agents this summer. After rebuffing trade interest, the Nuggets want to re-sign him this summer. Why Cam Johnson could become a trade candidate as a result on @YESNetwork. pic.twitter.com/rMtGALSObQ
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) April 3, 2026

"Peyton Watson is going to be one of the top restricted free agents," Scotto said. "A young guy who really burst onto the scene, having a career year. I've had plenty of conversations with Denver throughout the season, they want to keep this guy."

Scotto mentioned that in order for the Nuggets to stay under the second apron and re-sign Watson, they'd have to explore a trade for former Nets veteran Cam Johnson, who was sent from Brooklyn to Denver last year for Michael Porter Jr.

Watson is averaging a career-high 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game on 49-41-73 shooting splits for a title contender. When the Nuggets were without Nikola Jokić for 15 of their 16 games in January.

Throughout that month, Watson averaged an impressive 21.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game, leading them to a 10-6 record. If Denver can't afford to give the 23-year-old the money he desires, the Nets could swoop in and make him a highlight of the young core.

The other potential target Scotto mentioned was Giannis Antetokounmpo, who has long been reported to be of interest to Brooklyn. The two-time MVP was nearly moved at this year's trade deadline, but the Milwaukee Bucks decided to hold on to him. This will reopen rumors in the offseason.

Previewing an active offseason ahead for the Milwaukee Bucks, including what’s next for Giannis Antetokounmpo and why teams like the Heat, Warriors, Knicks, Cavaliers, and others will circle the wagon again on trading for the Greek Freak with host @ChrisShearnYES on @YESNetwork. pic.twitter.com/8fgLIPplZZ
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) April 3, 2026

Scotto noted that trading Antetokounmpo would open up "Pandora's Box," as the Bucks could then move on from veterans such as Bobby Portis and Kyle Kuzma while taking back assets for the future. There's even uncertainty as to whether or not head coach Doc Rivers will be back next season.

"Where [Antetokounmpo] is in his contract, he's going to have a say so," Scotto said. "No team is going to give up all those picks that you talked about, that Milwaukee is going to want, until you know that you're locking him up."

The Nets have the cap space to bring in Antetokounmpo, as well as supplementary talent, plus the young players and draft picks to acquire the superstar.

But with next season being the last that is fully guaranteed on his contract (player option for the 2027-28 season), teams may be more hesitant to go after him if they know he won't re-sign. That will be a major question facing Brooklyn this summer.