Should the Nets invest in a lead ball-handler during this offseason?

The Brooklyn Nets have multiple decisions to make this summer as they look to build on a 2025-26 NBA season in which they finished with the third-worst record (20-62) in the league. Brooklyn's main concern at this point in the offseason is arguably who they will take in the upcoming 2026 NBA Draft, but is there a chance they invest in a lead ball-handler along the way? "A lead creator who doesn't infringe upon the development of current youngsters and this year's top pick is the top priority," Dan Favale wrote for Bleacher Report when giving his opinion on the Nets ' priorities this summer.

While most people can agree that Brooklyn has to figure out their future with forward Michael Porter Jr. and making the right choice in the upcoming draft, addressing other needs could also be on the table. "Poking around Austin Reaves (player option) is a no-brainer.

He has shown he can operate as the first, second or third option, so he would fit alongside whomever Brooklyn has or plans to add," Favale wrote before naming other players that could be available. "Players like Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Paolo Banchero and De'Aaron Fox could become available depending on what happens in the play-in and playoffs. " On the surface, it seems that someone like Reaves could be worth the pursuit for Brooklyn since he has a player option for the 2026-27 season worth $14.

9 million that could he decline given how well he's played over the past few seasons. Other players that could somewhat fit the younger timeline for the Nets include players like Anfernee Simons and Collin Sexton of the Chicago Bulls or even someone like Charlotte Hornets guard Coby White. One aspect to keep in mind is that the Nets drafted at least three ball-handlers in the 2025 NBA Draft in Egor Demin, Nolan Traore, and Ben Saraf, not to mention that forward Danny Wolf saw some ball-handling reps during the season as well.