NBA Rumors: 3 Players that the Brooklyn Nets are currently targeting

The Brooklyn Nets entered the 18/19 NBA season with little optimism surrounding the franchise. They had won just 69 times in three years and after making an 8-15 start to the campaign, few believed that they could make a playoff run.

However, a young roster led by D'Angelo Russell soon began to click on the court, and an excellent run throughout December and January helped the Nets secure their first winning season since 2014. The Nets went on to exit the playoffs at the first hurdle, although following an impressive campaign, Brooklyn now heads into the offseason in a strong position.

In addition to boasting a promising young roster, the Nets have the cap space to add at least one max contract in free agency - and here are three individuals that are being linked with a move to Brooklyn.

#3 Jimmy Butler

Jimmy Butler played well during the Sixers' trip to the Eastern semifinals

Following his successful six-month stint in Philadelphia, Jimmy Butler will be looking to land a max contract in free agency. Some around the league have tipped Butler to team up with LeBron James in Los Angeles, although the New York Post is reporting that the Nets have a real shot at landing Butler:

Kevin Durant may be the Nets’ top target in free agency, but he’s not the only one. The feeling around the NBA is the Nets will have a very real chance to pry four-time All-Star Jimmy Butler away from Philadelphia.

Finally having the cash and cachet to get looks from the top free agents this July, Nets general manager Sean Marks is expected to be in the hunt for both Durant and Kyrie Irving. But Butler isn’t just a fall-back plan; he’s a two-way star league sources said the Nets have a real shot at landing.

Butler played 55 times during the regular season for the Sixers, averaging 18.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and four assists per game.

#2 Kyrie Irving

Kyrie Irving is set to leave the Boston Celtics this summer

Kyrie Irving was initially expected to commit his peak years to the Boston Celtics, however, his commitment to the organisation was called into question as the season progressed, and it now appears extremely unlikely that he will remain in Boston.

Due to his apparent availability, Irving is believed to be among the Nets' top targets, and Stefan Bondy of New York Daily News is reporting that the All-Star would consider a move to Brooklyn:

Some plugged-in to the NBA claim Irving will strongly consider Brooklyn as a free-agent destination, with one source saying the 27-year-old prefers the Nets to the Knicks.

Many sources have reported that Irving will head to the New York Knicks this summer, although his arrival could depend on Kevin Durant also heading to Madison Square Garden. Due to this, the Nets appear to have at least an outside chance of landing one of the summers most in-demand free agents.

#1 Tobias Harris

Tobias Harris spent the second half of the season with the Philadelphia 76ers

The Philadelphia 76ers only signed Tobias Harris back in January, although his impending free agency puts his future with the team in doubt. A number of teams are believed to be monitoring the 26-year-old, and Brian Lewis of the NY Post is reporting that the Nets are among the contenders for Harris' signature:

The Post reported Brooklyn’s interest in bringing Long Islander Tobias Harris back home in free agency months ago. Now their competition for the sweet-shooting stretch four is finally coming into focus.

Harris was dealt to Philadelphia at the trade deadline, and against the Nets in the playoffs he averaged 17.6 points and 8.8 points on red-hot 50 percent shooting from deep to help end their postseason. Sources have told The Post if the Nets can’t land Kevin Durant they would love to have Harris on their side next season.

The Sixers are believed to be keen to retain Harris, although reports have also claimed that they are reluctant to hand him a long-term max deal.