The Brooklyn Nets reacquired their 2026 first-round draft pick from the Houston Rockets late Tuesday night in a complicated exchange of draft slots. The move could be a prelude to the Rockets attempting to acquire Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns, ESPN reported. In the deal, the Rockets also gave up the ability to flip their 2025 first-round pick or the Oklahoma City Thunder's 2025 first-round pick for the Nets' 2025 first-round selection. Houston's return includes the Suns' 2027 first-round pick and a first-round pick in 2029 -- the more favorable of the Dallas Mavericks' or the Suns' position. The Rockets also received the ability to make two first-round pick exchanges. In 2025, Houston can send its first-round choice or the Thunder's first-round slot to the Nets for the Suns' first-round pick. In 2029, the Rockets can their first-round pick for the less favorable of the Suns' or Mavericks' first-rounder. The move was announced hours after reports emerged that Brooklyn is set to deal Mikal Bridges to the New York Knicks in exchange for Bojan Bogdanovic, five first-round draft choices, a second-round pick and a first-round pick exchange. Both the Nets (32-50) and the Rockets (41-41) finished one spot out of the play-in tournament in their conferences this year. --Field Level Media
Nov 17, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA; The old Nets logo on the court prior to the game between the Cleveland Cavilers and the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports