The Nets, who went into the 2019-20 season expecting to be legitimate contenders, underwhelmed before the season was paused, posting a 30-34 record that had them in position to nab the seventh playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
Along the way, they lost Kyrie Irving for the season and parted ways with head coach Kenny Atkinson.
But with Irving expected to be ready to go for the start of the 2020-21 season, and Kevin Durant likely ready to join him, the Nets reportedly have their eyes on adding a third star to the mix.
"I believe they have telegraphed they intend to use some of their young talent to acquire a third star along with Kyrie and Durant," said ESPN's Brian Windhorst, according to RealGM. "Now, we can enter a healthy debate here about whether Caris LeVert is that third star and they make the decision that he is. But my feel reading the tea leaves, paying attention to what Sean Marks has said and also being aware of some conversations they had at the trade deadline -- which was sticking the toe in the water on some things -- I think they're going to swing for the fences whenever the season comes. They're going to have to potentially hire a coach that is going to help them do that."
Among the star players who could be available via trade are Bradley Beal.
The Nets could also look to do something creative via free agency, but their salary cap situation is extremely tight after the additions of Irving and Durant.