Which Nets Players Are Entering the Final Year of Their Contract?

The player movement this NBA offseason was as significant as it's ever been, and with the new rules regarding the NBA Draft Lottery, the Brooklyn Nets have expectations to improve. They'll attempt to compete in a revamped Eastern Conference, having brought in new faces.

But this season isn't just about team improvement. Quite a few names on the roster could be in a contract year, which means they'll have to prove themselves worthy of either a new deal or an option pick-up, depending on the type of contract. Here are the players to watch this season:

Team Options (2027-28): Day'Ron Sharpe, Josh Minott

Sharpe, entering his sixth NBA season, has spent all of his previous five with the Nets. While the actual improvement may not be gargantuan, the 24-year-old has gotten better season after season, receiving more opportunities and playing his role well. 2025-26 saw him average 8.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.1 steals in 18.7 minutes per game.

Perhaps Sharpe will build on lingering trade rumors from seasons past, but his age and development still align with Brooklyn's timeline. The 6-foot-10 center entered the starting five after Nic Claxton left in the same offseason that he signed a two-year, $20 million deal with a $10 million team option for 2027-28. In all likelihood, the Nets pick that up that summer.

Meanwhile, Minott was a nice surprise after this year's trade deadline. Traded to Brooklyn from the Boston Celtics for cash considerations, the 23-year-old put up 10.8 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.2 steals on impressive 49-40-80 shooting splits across 16 games in a Nets uniform.

Minott was awarded a two-year, $9 million deal with a $4.5 million team option in 2027-28. Like Sharpe, this is a prove-it year for the young forward, especially entering his first full season in Brooklyn. At 6-foot-8 with a near-seven-foot wingspan, he has the potential to be an impactful two-way NBA player.

Mutual Options (2027-28): Moritz Wagner, Keon Ellis

The Nets signed two newcomers in free agency, both with unique clauses. Wagner and Ellis were given two-year contracts with a mutual option in the second season. If either the Nets or Wagner/Ellis wants them to remain in Brooklyn, the 2027-28 option gets picked up. All it takes is one side to agree.

Wagner, who signed for $18.45 million ($9 million in year one, $9.45 million if year two is picked up), saw a significant minutes decrease during his final season with the Orlando Magic. The 29-year-old veteran is a floor-spacer and part-time enforcer who can come off the bench and get physical on both ends.

Meanwhile, everyone thought Ellis had found his footing with the Sacramento Kings as a scrappy, 3&D pest. However, his minutes in Northern California diminished last season, leading to a trade to the Cleveland Cavaliers. That playing time returned before the playoffs, but the Cavaliers didn't give him many opportunities in the postseason.

At 26 years old, there's still time for Ellis to return to form. He has a lot of defensive skills you just can't teach, with a solid jumper on the other end. Coming off the bench in Brooklyn, he should play well above his contract.

Michael Porter Jr. (UFA in 2027)

The Nets and Porter had the perfect opportunity to land a contract extension leading up to Aug. 11. Had it been signed before that date, the six-month period during which Brooklyn could not trade Porter would have ended just before the February trade deadline, providing the flexibility that Sean Marks has preached for so long. There would have been room for a trade or long-term insurance.

Alas, both sides have yet to agree on a deal that would keep Porter a Net past this season. The actual deadline is the start of next summer's free agency, so with August's mini-deadline gone, there's no rush. But there's a real chance the 28-year-old's second season in Brooklyn is his last. If there's no extension in sight leading up to the trade deadline, teams should come calling.

Noah Clowney (RFA in 2027)

Clowney is one of many first-round picks from the 2023 NBA Draft who have yet to sign a rookie-scale contract extension, with the deadline being Oct. 19. If an agreement is not reached, he will enter restricted free agency in 2027.

The 22-year-old has been solid across three seasons in Brooklyn, but questions linger regarding his efficiency. The Nets have the cap space to keep him in the organization, which may only incentivize them to have Clowney play out this final year and match any offer he receives next summer if it's worth it.

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