Which Brooklyn Nets trade item is the most valuable?

The complete dismantling of the Brooklyn Nets has already begun and will likely continue shortly before the free agent transfer.

Current rumors suggest that the Nets are not done with their trades yet and have offered Cameron Johnson, Ben Simmons, Dorian Finney-Smith, Day’Ron Sharpe and Dennis Schröder for trade. Which of these five players would bring in the most in return?

With Simmons’ massive contract expiring after the 2024-25 season, it’s hard to imagine Brooklyn getting positive value for the 27-year-old. He can be removed from the roster. The same goes for Schröder, whose contract is also expiring, albeit for far less than Simmons. It would be difficult to move either of them, and if Brooklyn did, they’d likely only get a couple of second-round picks.

Either Johnson, Finney-Smith or Sharpe would attract the most interest, especially from competitors. In Sharpe’s case, one has to think of Daniel Gafford, traded to the Dallas Mavericks last season. A center back who would play a similar role on one of the league’s top teams. His value ranges from three second-round picks to a first-round pick.

Finney-Smith is a top-tier defender that any of last year’s playoff teams would love to sign. He would fit seamlessly in Minnesota, which already has a pretty good defensive lineup. The 31-year-old became the Nets’ most valuable player in the 2023 Kyrie Irving trade and can easily fetch at least one first-round pick, possibly two.

Johnson is the wild card of the group because he could realistically end up in two different situations. First, Brooklyn could deal him to a contender in need of a versatile scoring wing. The Denver Nuggets would be a dream scenario for Johnson, especially if Kentavious Caldwell-Pope arrives as a free agent. Second, the Nets could send him to a young, inexperienced playoff contender. The Spurs, Magic or Jazz could all vie for his services. Johnson is expected to sign at least two first-rounders and possibly a veteran to reach his $23 million salary for next season.

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