It’s no secret that the Brooklyn Nets are in the midst of a rebuilding era with the 2025-26 campaign underway, and they could target a young forward to bolster their frontcourt for years to come.
The Nets dropped to 0-2 following Friday’s 131-124 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, with Michael Porter Jr. and Cam Thomas each contributing 30-plus-point performances. While the duo should continue to serve as the team’s offensive engine and put up solid scoring numbers, Brooklyn’s current formula isn’t expected to translate into success this season.
Brooklyn used all five of its first-round picks in the 2025 NBA Draft in a bold attempt to spark its rebuild. The Nets still hold three more first-round selections in the next two drafts, though their 2027 picks are expected to come from the New York Knicks and Houston Rockets — making it unlikely they’ll land in the lottery.
MORE: Nets’ embarrassing loss foreshadows a rough season ahead
NBA analyst pushes Nets to acquire Tari Eason
The Nets could also explore the trade market to boost their rebuild, and the Rockets may be willing to deal Tari Eason, who will enter restricted free agency this offseason. Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes believes Eason would be a strong fit in Brooklyn, offering both short- and long-term value.
“Eason is a good defender at 6’8” who averaged 15.1 points, 6.8 rebounds and shot 52.4 percent in his 16 starts last season. He’d likely become a starter for the Nets immediately alongside Michael Porter Jr. and serve as the team’s starting power forward for years to come,” he wrote.
Eason was eligible for an extension with Houston ahead of the regular season, but the two sides were unable to reach an agreement. The Nets are positioned well below the luxury tax and will have ample cap space this offseason, which they could utilize to sign Eason to a long-term deal.
The 2022 first-rounder has struggled through two games this season, averaging 3.5 points and 5.0 rebounds while shooting just 27.3 percent from the field in 25.0 minutes per game. While the NBA season is long, a change in scenery may provide a spark for the 24-year-old forward as he looks to regain his form.
More NBA news:
