Brooklyn lost a plethora of contributors between last season and now.
The Brooklyn Nets have been in rebuild mode for the better part of two seasons. Heading into the 2025 offseason, the organization cleared out nearly all of its role players on the wrong side of 25 years old.
Brooklyn fully embraced the youth movement, becoming the youngest team in the NBA in the 2025-26 season, but sacrificed some of its veteran leadership to make room. 18 players that were once on the Nets' 2024-25 roster are no longer on their roster at this point. Let's take a look at how a few former Nets are handling their new situations.Dec 27, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Dorian Finney-Smith warms up before the game against the San Antonio Spurs at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images | Wendell Cruz-Imagn Imagesto the Los Angeles Lakers that brought in D'Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis and three second-round picks to the Nets. His tenure in Brooklyn is the second-longest of any other franchise in his career, at 114 games across three seasons. In the 2025 offseason, Finney-Smith signed with the Houston Rockets, where he has had the least productive season of his career. He underwent ankle surgery this past offseason that held him out until Dec. 25, 2025. Finney-Smith has played 30 games since then, averaging 3.2 points and 2,7 rebounds per game. His main contributions come through his veteran leadership rather than his on-court production.Mar 14, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Chaney Johnson drives against Philadelphia 76ers forward Trendon Watford during the first quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images | Bill Streicher-Imagn Images After two seasons with the Nets, ending on a career-best 2024-25 season, Watford was not offered a contract extension and hit free agency, where he was quickly picked by the Philadelphia 76ers. Despite a smaller role in the new environment, he has carved out a role off the bench as an inside-out, play-initiating forward. Watford is averaging 6.3 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game, shooting 57.8% on 2-point attempts. He's lacked on the perimeter on both sides of the ball, but steps up when Philadelphia is undermanned.Dec 18, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Cameron Johnson warms up before the game against the Orlando Magic at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images Johnson was moved this past offseason to the Denver Nuggets in a deal that brought in Michael Porter Jr. and a future first-round pick to the Nets. He played in 140 games across three seasons in Brooklyn, capping off his last season with 18.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game averages. There are many more mouths to feed in Denver, but Johnson has been the team's primary three-and-D threat. He's averaging 11.5 points and 3.7 rebounds per game on 41% three-point shooting. Johnson has started in all 42 games he's played in –– an ankle injury left him out for a 23-game stretch from December to February. His role is different from what it was on the Nets, but their front office has to feel good about how Porter Jr. has stepped up and what the Nuggets' 2032 unprotected first could turn into.Colin Simmons, who hails from Omaha, NE, is currently studying journalism at the University of Missouri. He is the Sports Editor for the student newspaper 'The Maneater.'
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Justin Edwards’ patience pays off with strong performance in Sixers’ win over Brooklyn NetsEdwards, a Philly native and former Imhotep star, has been in an out of the rotation throughout his second NBA season. But the shorthanded Sixers need Edwards to step up during this stretch run.
Read more »
Brooklyn Nets' Bench Shines in Near-Comeback Over the 76ersThe bench outscored the starters 57-40 in a 7-point loss.
Read more »
The Differences Between Drains, Glue, and Surgical Nets for Facelift RecoveryIf you're considering a facelift, add this to the list of questions to ask your doctor: Do you use drains, tissue glue, or the surgical net? The answer could make all the difference for a smooth, swift recovery.
Read more »
High winds blast giant hole in nets at Independence TopgolfTopgolf’s Independence location is closed after powerful winds tore a large hole in the facility’s netting over the weekend.
Read more »
Blazers Rule Seven Players Out vs. Nets on Injury ReportThe Portland Trail Blazers are shorthanded against the Brooklyn Nets.
Read more »
Former LI news anchor Amy McGorry issues desperate plea for life-saving liver donorToday's Video Headlines: 03/16/2026
Read more »