The offseason usually starts to heat up within 48 hours of the NBA draft, and this year is no exception. The perception around the league is there will be plenty of trade activity, and that could include the Nets.
It’s uncertain whether they have a specific target in mind, or if their scouts are convinced the talent level will drop off dramatically after the first 15 or so prospects. But what’s crystal clear is that the Nets are determined to move up from least one of their two picks near the bottom of the first round.
The Nets currently have the 21st, 22nd and 51st picks. But following reports that they’re looking to move up, ESPN said Tuesday the Nets are “extremely active” in trade talks. And after The Post reported that Royce O’Neale and Dorian Finney-Smith have drawn interest, The Ringer confirmed as much this week.
At least four teams between picks Nos. 10 and 16 — Dallas, Oklahoma City, Atlanta and Utah — are open to the idea of trading. How receptive they’d be to anything the Nets have to offer is a different story.
While moving up is an option, one or both of those first-round picks could also be packaged with O’Neale or Finney-Smith to acquire a veteran.
A source told The Post the Nets rejected an offer of two first-round picks for Finney-Smith last season, while O’Neale reportedly could’ve fetched a first. What is their value now?
The Nets have worked out expected first-rounders Brandin Podziemski, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Maxwell Lewis, Colby Jones and Andre Jackson, as well as potential first-rounders such as Terquavion Smith, Jalen Wilson and Jordan Walsh.
General manager Sean Marks personally flew to scout Rayan Rupert in Australia and New Zealand, and the Nets have been linked with Leonard Miller, Noah Clowney and Keyonte George.
The Post spoke with ESPN draft experts Fran Fraschilla and Jay Bilas about several prospects the Nets worked out.
Brandin Podziemski, SG, Santa Clara
Bilas: “He’s only 6-4, but he can really rebound. And he’s got really good range as a shooter, handles it pretty well, he can score off the dribble and make plays for himself and for other people.… He’s one of the better shooters in the draft. … He tested really well at the combine.”
Maxwell Lewis, SF, Pepperdine
Bilas: “He’s got good length, he’s got like a 7-foot wingspan. I think he can be a really good scorer, long, athletic. He’s not efficient yet, but he’s a three-level scorer. Good passer and good rebounder … but his efficiency needs to improve. He turns it over too much. You’re taking more on potential.”
Colby Jones, SF, Xavier
Fraschilla: “He’s a very durable, strong wing player. Multi-skilled, can handle the ball and play a little bit of point forward. Got the NBA frame physically. Shooting has improved, but I don’t consider him a knockdown shooter. … I consider Colby a jack of all trades, master of some.”
Terquavion Smith, SG, North Carolina State
Fraschilla: “He’s a super athlete. He reminds me of Bones Hyland from VCU; super-athletic kid who could be a little bit stronger physically. He’s an elite athlete, even at the NBA level. He’s got to become more of a knockdown shooter. … Not totally polished in terms of all-around skills.”
Rayan Rupert, NZ Breakers
Bilas: “He’s a high-level defender. But he’s just got to continue to develop his offense, because he can handle it; and he’s good in transition, but he’s not proven himself just yet. … He’s only 19, he’s got to get better in half-court situations, and be a more consistent shooter.”
Leonard Miller, F, G-League Ignite
Fraschilla: “He’s not as athletic as Nic Claxton, but he’s a big forward who is more of a 4-man but has some playmaking and ballhandling skills, and helped himself staying in the G-League for two years. … Much like Nic, they’re looking at a kid to get two years down the road.”
Bilal Coulibaly, SG/SF, Metropolitans 92
Bilas: “He’s got like a 7-1, 7-2 wingspan. That length really matters. He’s got a good stroke and good feel for the game. He’s one of the better cutters in the draft, he moves without it. He’s just not a scorer yet. He’s barely 18, so he’s not reached his full potential. He’s not a shot creator yet.”