Brooklyn remains aggressive in its post-lockout rebuild, landing Haywood Highsmith from Miami while absorbing his $5.6 million expiring deal and adding an unprotected 2032 second-round pick. In return, the Nets sent a No. 31–to–No. 55 2026 second-rounder to Miami. Brooklyn sits with about $22.5 million in cap space after the move, has 17 players on the roster, and must trim two before the season begins. The relocation deepens the Nets’ wing defense and adds a switchable shooter, all while preserving future flexibility with expiring salary and draft assets.

Highsmith is a versatile defender with growing 3-point range who could slot into Brooklyn’s wing rotation and absorb some defensive responsibilities on the perimeter. Last season he appeared in 74 games with Miami, starting 42, and averaged 6.5 points while shooting 45.8% overall, 38.2% from behind the arc, and 72.1% from the free‑throw line. An undrafted Baltimore product from Wheeling University, he earned First Team Division II All-America honors and was Mountain East Conference Player of the Year as a senior.

Brooklyn’s summer pivot also reshapes a larger move sequence. In June, the Nets sent Cam Johnson to Denver for Michael Porter Jr. and an unprotected 2032 first-round pick, and they later landed Terance Mann and the draft rights to Drake Powell from Atlanta in a three-team deal with Boston. Taken together, the transactions push Brooklyn into a cap-savvy, asset‑rich mode, designed to maximize value without sacrificing long‑term flexibility as the roster takes final shape for the regular season.

For fantasy and betting, the Highsmith acquisition signals a shift toward a deeper, defensive‑mueled perimeter group. The Porter Jr. addition brings a higher scoring ceiling and more dynamic shot creation, while Powell’s rights keep a future asset on the radar. The Nets’ ability to trim two players while maintaining upside suggests a rotation that prioritizes defense, floor spacing, and late‑season depth as Brooklyn eyes leverage in next summer’s market.

The Brooklyn Nets made a bold move in the 2025 NBA Draft by selecting five players, notably highlighting the skills of Drake Powell, a forward from Pittsboro, North Carolina. Powell, taken with the 22nd pick, was recognized by the Chatham County Board of Commissioners for his dedication and potential. After a freshman year at the University of North Carolina, averaging 7.4 points and showing shooting prowess, Powell is expected to contribute on both ends of the floor for the Nets. His humble demeanor coupled with a strong work ethic has garnered local admiration, making him a promising asset for Brooklyn's future.

The Brooklyn Nets have officially signed Drake Powell, the 22nd overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, to a multi-year contract, though terms have not been disclosed. The deal comes after a delay due to the multi-team trade that brought Powell from the Atlanta Hawks, which required completion before the signing could be finalized. Despite being inked, Powell will not participate in the upcoming Las Vegas Summer League due to left knee tendinitis.

At just 19, Powell averaged 7.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 37 games during his freshman year at North Carolina, showcasing his potential as a two-way player. He helped lead the Tar Heels to the NCAA Tournament and was recognized for his defensive prowess, earning Defensive Player of the Year honors.

The Brooklyn Nets are working to revamp their roster after a disappointing 26-56 record in the 2024-25 season, officially welcoming Terance Mann and Drake Powell from the Atlanta Hawks. Mann, a 28-year-old forward from Brooklyn, adds depth as a versatile 3-and-D player, averaging 7.7 points and shooting nearly 37% from beyond the arc last season. He comes with the bonus of first-round pedigree, while Powell, selected 22nd overall in the draft, is seen as a promising prospect from North Carolina. The Nets now hold five first-round selections post-trade, making them well-positioned for a rebuild.

Besides Mann and Powell, the Nets added BYU's Egor Demin, French guard Nolan Traore, Israeli guard Ben Saraf, and Michigan forward Danny Wolf in a strategic draft that signals a commitment to developing young talent. Brooklyn’s management appears keen on leveraging their draft capital to forge a competitive roster for the upcoming season, aiming to shake off their previous struggles and return to playoff contention.

Masai Ujiri's departure from the Toronto Raptors marks the end of an era for the franchise, following a disappointing season that saw them post a 30-52 record and miss the playoffs for the third consecutive year. Ujiri's impactful 13-year tenure included the team's only NBA title in 2019 and a remarkable regular-season record of 545-419. His relationship with cultural icon Drake elevated the Raptors' brand globally, making him not just a sports executive but a pivotal figure in Toronto's sports landscape.

Drake expressed his gratitude on social media, highlighting the profound connection between Ujiri and the city. With Ujiri’s exit, the Raptors face a critical juncture in their leadership structure, while general manager Bobby Webster remains in place. The team is now tasked with finding a new president who can navigate this transitional period and restore the franchise to its winning ways.