Brooklyn eyes a bold offseason pivot by exploring RJ Barrett from Toronto as a potential cornerstone upgrade. The plan hinges on leveraging cap space and extra draft capital to land Barrett and a 2031 second-round pick, while Brooklyn’s long-term flexibility remains a priority. Barrett’s two-year, roughly 27.7M and 29.6M salaries add value without crippling the books, keeping Nets in play for further moves.

Barrett, 25, averaged over 21 points with strong 3-point shooting and a well-rounded stat line, offering a forward who can score, distribute, and defend. The deal also contemplates a third-team dynamic with Boston, illustrating Nets’ willingness to facilitate while preserving future assets. Verdict leans toward push for Barrett if the right terms surface.

In this framework, Brooklyn could pair Barrett with Bridges and a retooled rotation, potentially reshaping its ceiling for 2025-26. The trade would hinge on Boston’s willingness to part with a 2031 pick and the Raptors’ appetite for a credible asset haul to offset Barrett’s cost and draw a path to contention.