Brooklyn’s offseason cap-clearing strategy shifts toward a potential salary-dump move at the trade deadline, aiming to keep cap space flexible while adding draft capital. The Nets reportedly eye a package involving Kelly Oubre Jr. and Andre Drummond to ease Philadelphia’s luxury-tax crunch, while potentially reuniting with Drummond if the price fits. Ziaire Williams’ re-signing preserves youth and flexibility for future moves, and the Sixers’ tax concerns could shape a two-pronged approach with expiring deals and Grimes’ RFA status looming large.

Philly could pursue cap relief by moving expiring contracts, yet remains positioned to contend with Embiid anchoring the frontline and George still in the mix, complicating Nets’ leverage. The broader market at the deadline remains active, with Brooklyn showing patience as they balance payroll, draft capital, and the possibility of a Drummond reunion amid the tax calculus.