Nets linked to aggressive move for No. 3 pick in Cameron Boozer pursuit

Brooklyn's rebuild could take another significant turn if the franchise decides to move up in the 2026 NBA Draft. One proposed deal would send the Nets from No. 6 to No. 3, putting them in position to target one of the draft's most highly regarded prospects.

Under the proposal, Brooklyn would receive the third overall pick from the Memphis Grizzlies. Memphis would move down to No. 6 while adding Brooklyn's unprotected first-round picks in 2030 and 2032.

The concept is built around Cameron Boozer, a prospect viewed by many evaluators as one of the safest players near the top of the draft. Brooklyn made history by selecting five players in the first round a year ago, but the organization still lacks a clear centerpiece around which to build. That reality makes the appeal of moving up easier to understand.

The cost, however, would be substantial. Surrendering two future first-round picks would reduce Brooklyn's flexibility in later years, especially if those selections become valuable. As a result, the Nets would need to believe that landing a player such as Boozer justifies the long-term risk.

The proposal also reflects changes in the NBA's draft landscape. New lottery rules scheduled to take effect in 2027 have increased the value of higher draft positions, making upward movement more expensive than in previous years. That environment could force teams to pay a premium for access to the top tier of prospects.

For Memphis, the calculation is different. The Grizzlies would move down only three spots while adding two future first-round assets. If the front office believes comparable talent will still be available at No. 6, the extra draft capital could strengthen the franchise's long-term position.

ESPN analyst Bobby Marks questioned whether Brooklyn should part with two of its own future unprotected picks to complete the move. While he acknowledged the appeal of targeting a player like Boozer or Caleb Wilson, he argued that the price may outweigh the potential reward.

That difference in opinion is what makes the proposal noteworthy. Brooklyn would be betting that one elite prospect can help define the next phase of its rebuild. Memphis, meanwhile, would be weighing whether additional future assets are worth the possibility of missing out on a player available near the top of the board.

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