NBA: Re-seeding the Eastern Conference after blockbuster Lillard trade

7. Brooklyn Nets

Even after trading both Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving last season, the Brooklyn Nets are in a good place heading into the 2023-24 NBA campaign. They have a solid core that now includes Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, and Nic Claxton. They have a huge wildcard in Ben Simmons and the Nets have a stronger supporting cast than they get credit for. I’m not sure how good the Nets can be this season, but it would be surprising if they didn’t make the playoffs in the Eastern Conference.

The hope is that Bridges is the real deal. After a strong end to last season, this new year largely depends on him picking up where he left off. However, that could be easier said than done. If Bridges can be that consistent star-level talent that he flashed last season, the Nets will be in good hands moving forward.

Brooklyn also has the assets to make a move for another difference-making player. But I’d imagine they’re going to be patient in finding the right target. The Nets are in a good place and should feel good about the direction of this team.