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With Louisville guard Mikel Brown Jr. set to take over the lead-guard role for the Brooklyn Nets this upcoming season, the team is still searching for supplemental pieces to play alongside him, Michael Porter Jr., and the newly acquired Julius Randle.
On Friday, Bleacher Report's Grant Hughes released his list of the three trade and free agency targets after the 2026 NBA Draft for each team, listing multiple solid players for Brooklyn.
Leading off the list is Houston Rockets point guard Fred VanVleet, who missed all of last season due to injury.
However, VanVleet, a former NBA Champion with the Toronto Raptors, has become one of the most solid point guards in today's NBA, shooting and playmaking at a high level.
VanVleet is entering the second year of his 2-year, $50 million contract he signed with the Houston Rockets last offseason, but has a player option available should he want out.
While VanVleet's role on Brooklyn would likely be as a primary bench ball handler, this may not be a bad avenue for the 32-year-old point guard looking to get back on his feet after a gruesome knee injury.
VanVleet would also be a professional, experienced mentor for Brown.
Following VanVleet on Hughes' list is Detroit Pistons forward Ausar Thompson, who was one of the most dynamic defenders in the NBA last season.
Thompson averaged two steals and 0.9 blocks per game, en route to 2025-26 Kia NBA All-Defensive First Team honors.
While he is still under contract with Detroit, extension talks have not been progressing much between Thompson and the front office, which could make the former No. 5 overall pick a potential trade candidate.
If the Pistons are looking to add offense, a Randle/Thompson centered swap could be in the cards.
Rounding out Hughes' list is former No. 1 overall pick Zacharie Risacher, who is yet to play to his full potential on the Atlanta Hawks.
Risacher appeared in 67 games last season, averaging just under 10 points per contest.
While the 6-foot-8 frenchman has not met the expectations of a typical No. 1 pick, Risacher has shown flashes of special ability, especially for his size.
Risacher has smooth jump shot mechanics and moves well for his size, but needs to continue to bulk up to prevent defenders from knocking him off his drive.
Entering the second-to-last year on his rookie deal, Risacher, like Thompson, could be moved if the Hawks look to add and try to win now.
On Brooklyn, Risacher would benefit from watching Porter's similar play style and work ethic.
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On Friday, Bleacher Report's Grant Hughes released his list of the three trade and free agency targets after the 2026 NBA Draft for each team, listing multiple solid players for Brooklyn.
Leading off the list is Houston Rockets point guard Fred VanVleet, who missed all of last season due to injury.
However, VanVleet, a former NBA Champion with the Toronto Raptors, has become one of the most solid point guards in today's NBA, shooting and playmaking at a high level.
VanVleet is entering the second year of his 2-year, $50 million contract he signed with the Houston Rockets last offseason, but has a player option available should he want out.
While VanVleet's role on Brooklyn would likely be as a primary bench ball handler, this may not be a bad avenue for the 32-year-old point guard looking to get back on his feet after a gruesome knee injury.
VanVleet would also be a professional, experienced mentor for Brown.
Following VanVleet on Hughes' list is Detroit Pistons forward Ausar Thompson, who was one of the most dynamic defenders in the NBA last season.
Thompson averaged two steals and 0.9 blocks per game, en route to 2025-26 Kia NBA All-Defensive First Team honors.
While he is still under contract with Detroit, extension talks have not been progressing much between Thompson and the front office, which could make the former No. 5 overall pick a potential trade candidate.
If the Pistons are looking to add offense, a Randle/Thompson centered swap could be in the cards.
Rounding out Hughes' list is former No. 1 overall pick Zacharie Risacher, who is yet to play to his full potential on the Atlanta Hawks.
Risacher appeared in 67 games last season, averaging just under 10 points per contest.
While the 6-foot-8 frenchman has not met the expectations of a typical No. 1 pick, Risacher has shown flashes of special ability, especially for his size.
Risacher has smooth jump shot mechanics and moves well for his size, but needs to continue to bulk up to prevent defenders from knocking him off his drive.
Entering the second-to-last year on his rookie deal, Risacher, like Thompson, could be moved if the Hawks look to add and try to win now.
On Brooklyn, Risacher would benefit from watching Porter's similar play style and work ethic.
Join the Community
Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!
It's completely free to join, simply by clicking the yellow button at the top of the homepage. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Continue reading...
