7. Brooklyn Nets
Even after trading Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving at last year’s NBA Trade Deadline, you can make the argument that the Brooklyn Nets are in a better spot heading into the season this year than they were last year. One big reason is that there’s no uncertainty when it comes to their core players. Both Mikal Bridges and Cameron Johnson are locked up for the foreseeable future and neither of them is secretly planning their next move away from the Nets. Or at least it doesn’t seem that way.
That wasn’t the case for KD and Kyrie last season. While the Nets may not be considered contenders in the Eastern Conference at the moment, that can quickly change. If Bridges continues to prove he can be a legit No. 1 option, it will give Brooklyn the flexibility to target another star. The Nets have the assets to do so.
Even if the Nets stand pat and continue to be patient in their pursuit of another star, Brooklyn should be a playoff team in the East. They may have to play their way into the playoffs but there is promise all over this roster. The Nets may not be a favorite but they could emerge as a dangerous dark horse by the end of the season.