The Nets are in the thick of a 2025 offseason rebuild, balancing youth with a few veteran bullets. Cam Thomas is positioned as Brooklyn’s likely go-to closer after a 24-point season, with Michael Porter Jr. and Terance Mann ready to shoulder late-clock scoring alongside him. Egor Demin arrives as a rookie guard who could grow into crunch-time responsibilities behind the established trio. Nic Claxton remains a trusted ball handler and decision-maker when the game tightens, while Day'Ron Sharpe and Ziaire Williams were kept around to add length and youth to the wings and frontcourt. The roster features five 2025 draftees amid modest free agency, suggesting the Nets could be among the league’s bottom-half teams, yet 82 games will test which late-game lineups actually close out wins. Bleacher Reports Greg Swartz is cited in the discussion about who takes the last shot in clutch moments, underscoring the practical, in-season evaluation ahead for Brooklyn.

In short, Thomas anchors the closing lineup, Porter Jr. provides a scalable secondary scorer, and Mann can slot in multi-position ways. Demin offers future upside, Claxton keeps the ball-handling flow, and Sharpe plus Williams supply development curves that could lift Brooklyn over expectations in bite-sized, late-game opportunities. The article frames a season-long audition for the last-shot role, with the overall rebuild shaping how aggressively Brooklyn pursues late-game shot-making this year.

In a strategic move for the upcoming 2025-26 NBA season, the Los Angeles Lakers have bolstered their roster by signing key players, including center Deandre Ayton and guard Marcus Smart. However, the departure of Dorian Finney-Smith leaves them in search of a versatile 3-and-D player. A suggested trade with the Brooklyn Nets proposes acquiring Terance Mann, who is known for his defensive prowess and shooting ability.

Mann averaged 7.7 points per game last season, demonstrating significant defensive metrics that could enhance the Lakers' depth. This potential addition would complement the existing talent in the lineup, including LeBron James and Austin Reaves, providing much-needed perimeter defense and scoring off the bench.

Terance Mann, now with the Brooklyn Nets, reflects on the surreal journey that brought him back to his Brooklyn roots. Originally drafted by the Los Angeles Clippers in 2019, Mann's path has included a recent trade from the Atlanta Hawks as the Nets undergo a rebuilding phase. At 28, Mann has transitioned to a leadership role, embracing the challenge of guiding a younger team while aiming to improve on last season's disappointing record. His experience and skills, including a shooting percentage over 49% and notable contributions in scoring and assists, may prove invaluable as the Nets look to regain competitiveness.

Having grown up near the Barclays Center, Mann's connection to the city adds a personal layer to his quest for success. His perspective as one of the oldest players on a youthful roster presents challenges, but Mann is ready to mentor his teammates, sharing the professionalism that he learned from the Clippers. As he prepares for the upcoming season, the Nets hope Mann's presence will not only enhance their on-court play but also foster a strong team culture.

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.