The Brooklyn Nets added Ricky Council IV to their roster on Friday, enhancing their backcourt options ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season. This move brings the team to 19 players, just two short of the maximum allowed for training camp, complicating roster decisions for the Nets’ management.
Current Roster Breakdown and Depth Chart Overview
The Nets’ projected depth chart across positions now includes a mix of established players and emerging talent. At point guard, the team lists Egor Demin, Nolan Traore, Ben Saraf, and Keon Johnson. The shooting guard rotation features Cam Thomas, currently a restricted free agent, alongside Keon Johnson, Ricky Council IV, Terance Mann, Dariq Whitehead, and Tyson Etienne.
Small forward duties are shared by Ziaire Williams, Jalen Wilson, Terance Mann, Drake Powell, and Tosan Evbuomwan. For power forward, Michael Porter Jr. leads, supported by Noah Clowney and Danny Wolf. At center, the Nets count on Nic Claxton, Day’Ron Sharpe, and Drew Timme.
Contract Uncertainty Surrounding Cam Thomas and Roster Limits
Cam Thomas remains a key variable as the Nets navigate the upcoming season‘s roster. Although Thomas is currently in a contract standoff with Brooklyn, he is not expected to sign elsewhere, meaning he would likely occupy one of the limited roster spots once resolved. If Thomas returns, one spot will remain open for training camp, possibly for a player already familiar to the organization, such as Reece Beekman.
Challenges Ahead for Finalizing the 2025-26 Roster
Brooklyn’s coaching staff and front office face complex decisions to trim the roster to the league-mandated 18 players, including two-way contracts. All five first-round draft picks from this year will be secured spots, along with Michael Porter Jr., Nic Claxton, Ziaire Williams, and Day’Ron Sharpe, filling nine positions early on.
Assuming Cam Thomas returns, the count rises to ten spots. Noah Clowney, Terance Mann, and Keon Johnson are expected to join, bringing the total to thirteen. This leaves five slots—comprising two active roster spots and three two-way contracts—for players like Tosan Evbuomwan, Tyson Etienne, Ricky Council IV, Drew Timme, and Dariq Whitehead. These decisions remain uncertain and will likely be influenced heavily by training camp performances.
Players such as Drew Timme and Dariq Whitehead have strong cases for securing the final active roster positions, while Tyson Etienne and Tosan Evbuomwan could challenge them during training camp. The Nets’ roster might experience significant changes before the preseason starts, with the possibility of unexpected departures.
Implications for the Brooklyn Nets and Upcoming Season Preparation
The addition of Ricky Council IV adds depth but also intensifies competition among guards, highlighting the Nets’ unsettled roster situation. The front office‘s task to balance experience, draft potential, and contract statuses creates an uneasy but necessary challenge. These decisions will shape the team‘s readiness and flexibility as they prepare for the 2025-26 season, with key players like Michael Porter Jr. and Nic Claxton anchoring the core. How Brooklyn navigates training camp and contract negotiations will influence their competitive outlook heading into the new season.