Brooklyn Nets have made strategic moves this offseason that gear them towards strengthening their roster for the 2025-26 NBA season. They exercised team options on four players: Keon Johnson, Jalen Wilson, Tyrese Martin, and Drew Timme. Collectively, this amounts to a commitment of over $8 million for these players, indicating the franchise's belief in their potential contributions.

Keon Johnson, at 23, had a productive season last year, averaging 10.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists over 79 games. Jalen Wilson also showcased his talent by notching 9.5 points and 3.4 rebounds while playing the same number of games. Tyrese Martin's performance in 60 games yielded 8.7 points per game, displaying solid shooting percentages. Meanwhile, Drew Timme, who joined the Nets in a limited capacity, impressed with 12.1 points and 7.2 rebounds in just nine games. With these players secured, the Nets now have a total of 15 players under contract.

The Brooklyn Nets boast a rich history of player jerseys, with 52 numbers worn by over 600 players since their inception in 1967 as the New Jersey Americans in the ABA. Among these, jersey No. 13 has been donned by 18 players, with Tyrese Martin being the most recent. After a notable college career at UConn and being selected 51st overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, Martin spent his first season with the Atlanta Hawks before joining the Nets in 2024. During his tenure with Brooklyn, he has averaged 8.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game while exclusively wearing No. 13.

Tyrese Martin of the Brooklyn Nets showcased an impressive 2024-25 season, transitioning from a training camp invite to a reliable NBA contract. Averaging 8.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.0 assists while shooting 40.6% from the field, he demonstrated significant growth, especially in a challenging season for the Nets, who finished 26-56.

Despite appearing in only 60 games due to G League assignments and injuries, Martin's breakout performance came on November 27, where he scored 30 points against the Phoenix Suns, receiving high praise from superstar Kevin Durant. His versatility was crucial as he occasionally filled in at point guard for the injured D'Angelo Russell, further proving his value to the Nets.

The conclusion of the NBA regular season marks a significant milestone for former UConn players, showcasing their talent in their rookie years. Stephon Castle of the San Antonio Spurs has emerged as a front-runner for Rookie of the Year, leading all rookies with impressive stats, including an average of 14.7 points per game. Tyrese Martin made strides with the Brooklyn Nets, securing a two-year contract after a standout season, while Donovan Clingan of the Portland Trail Blazers showcased his potential despite injuries. Other Huskies like Cam Spencer and Tristen Newton also demonstrated their capabilities, leaving fans optimistic about their futures in the league.

Brooklyn Nets guard Tyrese Martin is looking to step into a leadership role as the team prepares for the next season. Following a season where he proved himself on the court, Martin expressed his desire to be more influential, especially among younger players. With a significant jump in playing time and responsibilities, he aims to leverage his experience, despite being one of the less seasoned players in terms of NBA games played.

Having transitioned from a training camp contract to a standard deal, Martin averaged 8.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game this season. His confidence has grown, and he believes he can significantly impact the team's dynamics moving forward. He feels ready to guide others and embrace increased responsibility, which could be pivotal for a Nets team in rebuilding mode.