Brooklyn Nets Team Review: 2024 - 2025 Season. 

2024 - 25 Record: 16 - 66

Season Highlight: 

The clear highlight of the Nets’ season was landing the #3 pick in what many considered one of the most talented and deep drafts in recent years. It was a major asset for a franchise looking to retool, and while it could’ve easily been used to bring in a top young prospect, the Nets had bigger plans. That pick ultimately became the key piece in a blockbuster trade that brought Trae Young to Brooklyn, a move that instantly gave the team direction and star power.

Trae is one of the most dynamic offensive players in the game. Even with his defensive flaws, his ability to control pace, create for others, and score from anywhere on the floor makes him the focal point of any team he’s on. He’s an offensive hub, a solar system of buckets and playmaking. The Nets’ front office deserves credit for surrounding him with the right mix of talent to complement his strengths and mask his weaknesses. Turning the #3 pick into a proven, elite-level star like Trae Young is the kind of move that can reshape a franchise overnight.

Season Lowlight: 

The lowlight of the Nets’ season ties directly into their biggest highlight, landing the #3 pick in the draft. To get there, though, Brooklyn had to endure a rough campaign, finishing with just 16 wins, the lowest total in the entire league. It was a tough season from start to finish, but one that ultimately positioned them for a major move.

Still, it does raise an interesting question: what if things had broken slightly differently? If GM Breece had landed the #1 or #2 pick, with a chance to draft generational prospects like Cooper Flagg or Dylan Harper, would he still have gone all-in on Trae Young? Or would he have taken the long-term rebuild route and built around one of those young stars instead? We’ll never know for sure.

Best Trade: 

Nets Receive:  Mason Plumlee  

Nets Send: Tyus Jones, Second Round Pick 

While this move might not make headlines, bringing in Mason Plumlee is exactly the kind of under-the-radar deal that makes sense for a team like the Nets. Plumlee isn’t here to be flashy, he’s here to do the dirty work. He’ll crash the boards, set solid screens, and play within his role without taking touches away from the team’s primary ball handlers. Every successful roster needs guys like that, and Plumlee fits that mold perfectly.

On the other side, Tyus Jones has seen his stock dip a bit lately, both in 2K and in the real NBA. He’s still a capable guard, but it feels like the timing was right for a change of scenery. From Brooklyn’s perspective, this trade checks out, it fills a frontcourt need, adds toughness, and keeps the roster balanced. It’s not a blockbuster, but it’s a smart, functional move that should pay off for the Nets.

Worst Trade:

Nets Receive: Nikola Vucevic, Marcus Smart, 1 x FRP, 2 x SRP

Nets Send: Lauri Markannen

This trade definitely turned heads around the league when it went down — and for good reason. You can absolutely see the logic behind Breece’s decision, but at the same time, it’s hard to shake the feeling that Lauri Markkanen is simply the best player in the deal. Lauri’s always been a bit of an enigma in 2K, solid, productive, but never quite living up to the elite level he’s shown in the real NBA. That seems to have changed this season, though. By all reports, he’s finally breaking through, looking every bit like a 25+ PPG scorer in the NSL. Sometimes all it takes is a new engine or system for a player to really unlock their potential, and Lauri appears to have found his groove.

At 27, he’s still in his prime and one of the most skilled stretch forwards in the league. The return wasn’t bad, but it did feel a touch light for a player of his calibre. Of course, if Carter Bryant develops into the star many think he can be, this conversation will look completely different and Breece might have the last laugh.

Free Agency: 

The Nets didn’t have a huge to-do list heading into free agency this year, it was more about tidying up around the edges and locking in some stability. Their main goals were to retain Bobby Portis and bring in a reliable backup big, and they managed to do both successfully.

Bobby re-signed on a team-friendly deal, which is a big win for Brooklyn given his production and leadership. He’s likely to slot straight back into the starting lineup at power forward, providing toughness, rebounding, and that trademark energy he brings every night.

To round out their frontcourt depth, the Nets added Jock Landale, the Australian big man known for his work ethic and solid fundamentals. While he’s not going to change the trajectory of the team, he’s exactly the kind of dependable role player you want coming off the bench, someone who can hold the line when the starters rest.

Star: Trae Young

Trae Young is undeniably the face of this new-look Brooklyn Nets team, a bona fide star with the kind of offensive talent that instantly elevates a franchise. Few players in the league can control the tempo of a game quite like Trae. His combination of elite playmaking, deep shooting range, and creativity off the dribble makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses.

He’s not just a scorer, though he’s capable of dropping 30 on any given night, he’s also one of the best facilitators in the game, constantly manipulating defenses and creating open looks for teammates. In 2K and in real life, Trae’s ability to bend defenses to his will makes him an offensive system unto himself.

Sure, defense has never been his calling card, but the Nets have built intelligently around him to cover that side of the ball. With the right structure and supporting cast, Trae’s offensive brilliance could make Brooklyn a legitimate threat for a playoff spot in the east. 

Draft Grades: 

Carter Bryant - B+ 

Carter Bryant is an intriguing young prospect in the league, a player oozing with potential and star upside. He’s got the physical tools, scoring instincts, and confidence that make you believe he could develop into a real cornerstone piece down the line. While he’s still raw in some areas, the flashes are there, smooth shot-making, athleticism, and a willingness to compete. Not to mention he’s in one of the best developmental situations in the NBA, with San  Antonio.  For Brooklyn, Bryant represents both a long-term investment and a potential future star if things break right. 

The Lineup: 

C: Dereck Lively / Jock Landale

PF: Bobby Portis / Carter Bryant

SF: OG Anunonby / Aaron Wiggins

SG: Zach Lavine / Jakobe Walter

PG: Trae Young / TJ Mconnell

That Brooklyn starting five of Trae, LaVine, OG, Portis, and Lively has a great mix of firepower and balance. Trae and LaVine bring elite shot creation and perimeter scoring, OG adds that defensive edge and versatility on the wing, Portis provides toughness and spacing at the four, and Lively anchors the paint with rim protection and energy. It’s a well-constructed lineup that makes sense on both ends, will Brooklyn make some serious noise in the East?