The moves that delivered Josh Minott and Ochai Agbaji to Brooklyn were largely motivated by salary relief for Boston and Toronto, but the Nets are approaching the situation with a developmental mindset.
As Brian Lewis of The New York Post explains, Brooklyn intends to give both players a legitimate chance to prove themselves, not only in the current rotation but potentially as longer-term pieces for the franchise.
“We know they’re very good players. That’s why they’re here,” head coach Jordi Fernandez said. “Show me what you can bring to the group, and if you can be part of this group, you can be a future Net.”
Meanwhile, Scottie Barnes is set to make his second All-Star appearance this season, though Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic believes the forward’s trajectory extends far beyond that milestone.
Rajakovic offered an emphatic endorsement of Barnes’ long-term potential following his dominant performance against Indiana on Sunday, when he posted 25 points, 14 rebounds, six assists, and four blocks, via Blake Murphy of Sportsnet.ca.
“Scottie is Defensive Player of the Year. He’s an All-Star. He’s gonna be a Finals MVP. He’s going to be an MVP one day,” Rajakovic said. “Write down the date I said that.”
Atlantic Notes: Alvarado, Clarkson, Celtics, Nets, Barnes https://t.co/Xr09mRaypV
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) February 9, 2026
