Nets’ interest in lottery-projected talents could set stage for another trade

The Brooklyn Nets are making moves ahead of the 2026 NBA Draft. After acquiring Julius Randle and the No. 28 pick for Nic Claxton and No. 33 on Monday, they could have another trade up their sleeve. The Nets have been exploring ways to acquire another top-20 pick, league sources told ClutchPoints.

Brooklyn has shown interest in several mid-round prospects, including Nate Ament, Karim Lopez, Morez Johnson Jr. and Chris Cenac Jr.

Ament and Lopez went head-to-head in a workout for the Nets earlier this month. The latter told ClutchPoints that the workout went great, and Brooklyn “was happy” with what it saw.

“It was a great workout,” Lopez said. “I did really good. [The Nets] were pretty happy. The feedback they gave me is that they love my competitiveness, they love how hard I play, my IQ, stuff like that.”

Karim Lopez told me his workout with the Nets that featured Nate Ament went "great":

“It was a great workout. I did really good. [The Nets] were pretty happy. The feedback they gave me is that they love my competitiveness, they love how hard I play, my IQ, stuff like that.” pic.twitter.com/UC4StXsmjy

— Erik Slater (@ErikSlater_) June 22, 2026

Ament has been heavily linked to the Nets throughout the pre-draft process. Some analysts have speculated that he could be a target at No. 6, but most view him as an option if Brooklyn trades back or picks up another lottery pick.

Will Nets trade up from No. 28 in 2026 NBA Draft after surprise Julius Randle trade?

Ament also felt his Nets workout was a positive experience.

“It went good. Karim’s a great player. It was a good workout, I had a lot of fun, I showcased what I can do,” Ament said.

Meanwhile, the Nets hosted Johnson for a last-minute workout on Sunday.

“It was a last-minute decision when they had told me that they needed me to come in,” Johnson said on Monday. “I had a good workout. I believe they said I did good. I guess we’ll see if I actually did [tomorrow].”

Cenac did not work out for the Nets but told ClutchPoints he met with Brooklyn on Sunday.

“We had a great conversation. They definitely think it’s a fit there. We’ll see tomorrow,” the Houston forward said.

None of the above prospects is likely to fall to the Nets at No. 28. Ament and Johnson are widely considered lottery talents, while Lopez and Cenac are frequently mocked in the late teens or early 20s.

After acquiring No. 28 to pair with No. 43 and a bevy of future assets, the Nets can build an enticing package to trade for another top-20 pick. Brooklyn has 10 tradable first-round picks and 18 total second-round picks.

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