Mock trade has Brooklyn Nets trading Cam Johnson for Darius Garland
The Brooklyn Nets have a lot to consider this offseason as they have to decide how they want to move forward as a franchise. The 2022-23 season was a rollercoaster ride for the organization as they started the season with championship expectations, but ended it getting swept in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.
Along the way, Brooklyn traded superstars Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving for various reasons and once the February trade deadline came and went, the Nets were a completely different team. After trading Durant and Irving, Brooklyn lost some viability as a title contender, but they also gained some much-need draft capital and young players to possibly build around.
At this point, whether Brooklyn wants to contend for a title or rebuild, they have to consider what players should be on the team. According to James Piercey of the NBA Analysis Network, if the Nets are looking to acquire star-level players, Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland would be an option:
The mock trade
Brooklyn Nets receive: Darius Garland
Cleveland Cavaliers receive: Cameron Johnson, Royce O’Neale, 2025 First-Round Pick (PHX via BKN), 2027 First-Round Pick (PHI via BKN), 2029 First-Round Pick (DAL via BKN)
Should the Nets do this trade?
Darius Garland would be an upgrade over current starting lead guard Spencer Dinwiddie, but this would be a conversation over whether Garland is worth two potential starters and three first-round picks. Garland has been a game-changer for the Cavaliers, but he is not a superstar in the NBA yet so it’s hard to see him being able to make up for the value that Brooklyn would be giving up to bring him to Brooklyn.
If Garland could be had for O’Neale and one first-round pick, remember that the Nets gave the Utah Jazz one first-round pick for O’Neale last offseason, that would be a fair deal for both sides. Ultimately, if we’re going by what is more likely, Brooklyn is more likely to have more value in keeping two starting-caliber players and three first-round picks than they are to acquire a fringe All-Star caliber small lead guard.
Verdict: No, the Nets should not do this trade.
