Since last season, the Brooklyn Nets have quietly kicked off the first phase of their rebuild. According to BD Cricket Live, one of the more surprising moves came in February when the team fired head coach Jacque Vaughn. Ironically, just a year earlier, Vaughn had earned a multi-year contract after stepping in midseason and stabilizing the roster. At that time, he likely imagined leading the team—alongside stars like Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving—toward championship glory.

Fast forward a year, and Vaughn followed the same path as his predecessor Steve Nash, losing his position to interim coach Kevin Ollie. But Ollie’s time at the helm was short-lived as well. This summer, the Nets brought in Jodi Fernandez, the Kings’ assistant coach and current head of Canada’s national team, as their new head coach. Given Fernandez’s recent successes at both the club and international levels, it’s a logical move for a franchise looking for a fresh start. Beyond coaching changes, the Nets’ roster has also undergone a shake-up.

Spencer Dinwiddie and Royce O’Neale were among the first players to be offloaded. Dinwiddie was traded midseason to Toronto, later waived, and then joined the Lakers—though his stint in Los Angeles didn’t pan out. He’s now rejoined the Mavericks. O’Neale followed Durant to Phoenix, and while his performance didn’t wow fans, he still secured a four-year contract extension with the Suns.

Postseason, the Nets continued their roster overhaul. Mikal Bridges was the next to go, shipped to the New York Knicks in a blockbuster deal. For the 28-year-old, it’s a dream scenario—joining his college buddies Jalen Brunson, Donte DiVincenzo, and Josh Hart. Bridges’ elite 3-and-D skillset and exceptional durability should make him a favorite of Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau.

In return, the Nets received a treasure trove of draft assets: four unprotected future first-round picks, a protected 2025 first-rounder from the Bucks, a 2028 pick swap, and a 2025 second-round pick. These picks represent the foundation of Brooklyn’s long-term rebuild. Since the departure of Durant and Irving, the team has completely reversed course, shifting away from star-powered contention toward asset accumulation.

Last season, the Nets didn’t go full tank mode due to the weak 2024 draft class and their lack of a first-round pick. But 2025 presents a different picture. With a shot at landing a generational talent like Cooper Flagg, Brooklyn is more likely to embrace a true rebuild. BD Cricket Live predicts that the exits of O’Neale, Dinwiddie, and Bridges are just the beginning. Key veterans like Cam Johnson, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Dennis Schroder will likely be next on the trade block.

While the team did hand Nic Claxton a 4-year, $100 million deal and signed shooter Shake Milton via sign-and-trade, the broader financial picture tells a different story. The Nets have already trimmed their payroll below the luxury tax threshold ($170 million), and more cuts are expected. The end goal? Bring the team’s salary down to just above the $140 million salary cap floor by season’s end.

To reach that, the most obvious move is parting ways with Ben Simmons. Simmons has once again taken to social media during the offseason, flooding feeds with workout videos, boasting a full recovery, and flaunting sculpted muscles (with a little help from filters). But even if he is healthy, his actual value to the team is questionable. The Nets are no longer built around superstars like Durant and Irving, and Simmons—despite his versatility and court vision—still lacks a reliable jump shot.

Now approaching 30, Simmons remains an incomplete player. While he can defend 1 through 5, rebound, and facilitate, his shooting limitations are too glaring for a franchise starting from scratch. Fortunately for Brooklyn, next season is Simmons’ contract year—making it the perfect time to try and trade him. If he rebounds and performs at an All-Star level, his value increases. But if he falters again, BD Cricket Live warns that he may not only be cut by the Nets but could even find himself out of the league entirely.

In the end, Brooklyn’s direction is clear: a full-scale rebuild, asset accumulation, and cost trimming. And as Simmons faces what could be his last shot at redemption, the clock is ticking louder than ever.