Nets Acquire 2 Trade Deadline Pickups Seeking New Contracts

Josh Minott and Ochai Agbaji look to prove themselves and earn long-term roles with Brooklyn

Feb. 22, 2026 at 3:07pm

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The Brooklyn Nets acquired forwards Josh Minott and Ochai Agbaji at the NBA trade deadline, bringing in two young players who are looking to earn new contracts during the second half of the season. Minott was acquired in a salary dump trade from the Boston Celtics, while Agbaji came over from the Toronto Raptors. Both players are eager to show the Nets what they can bring to the team's defensive-minded style of play as they audition for potential long-term roles.

Why it matters

The Nets are in the midst of a rebuild, and team president Sean Marks is looking to find 'the next Brooklyn Nets' to build around. Minott and Agbaji represent low-risk, high-upside acquisitions who could potentially play their way into the Nets' future plans if they can excel in their new roles.

The details

The Nets acquired Minott, a 23-year-old forward, from the Celtics in a salary dump trade, sending just $110,000 in cash to Boston. Minott has a non-guaranteed $2.58 million salary for next season, indicating the Nets see potential in his skill set. Minott was efficient offensively earlier this season, averaging 6.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 0.8 steals per game while shooting 50.8% from the field and 44.4% from 3-point range. Agbaji, a 6-foot-5 guard, came to the Nets from the Raptors in exchange for a 2032 second-round pick. Agbaji is looking to bounce back after a career-worst shooting slump this season, having averaged 10.4 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.5 assists on 50/40/71 shooting splits last year.

  • The Nets acquired Minott and Agbaji at the 2026 NBA trade deadline.

The players

Josh Minott

A 23-year-old forward acquired by the Nets from the Boston Celtics in a salary dump trade. Minott has a non-guaranteed $2.58 million salary for next season, indicating the Nets see potential in his skill set.

Ochai Agbaji

A 6-foot-5 guard acquired by the Nets from the Toronto Raptors in exchange for a 2032 second-round pick. Agbaji is looking to bounce back after a career-worst shooting slump this season.

Sean Marks

The president of the Brooklyn Nets, who is looking to find 'the next Brooklyn Nets' as the team moves forward in its rebuild.

Jordi Fernandez

A Nets assistant coach who discussed the team's interest in Minott and Agbaji's defensive abilities and how they fit the Nets' style of play.

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What they’re saying

“We know they're very good players. That's why they're here. Show me what you can bring to the group, and if you can be part of this group, you can be a future Net... Ball pressure is our first staple. Every time you can apply ball pressure — full-court or half-court — you can create turnovers and deflections and make the other team uncomfortable late in the clock. We believe those guys can do that, and I'm excited to watch them play.”

— Jordi Fernandez, Nets Assistant Coach

“For me, it's about staying true to the values I've learned over my three and a half years in the league, especially the work ethic. I've been around some winning organizations. Understanding what we did right and what it takes to make those playoff pushes, it's about bringing that over. Defensively, I line up with the core values here: pressure and being disruptive. My shooting has come a long way, too. I can confidently say that's a strength, and I believe in taking the right, open shots.”

— Josh Minott

“For me, it's about getting back to myself and who I know I can be. That's super important in this league, and it's what I work for and what I'm trying to show again. First, my defense and the intensity I play with every single night. I'm always trying to win every possession. That's who I am as a player. I know I have a lot more to show. I had a great season last year and I'm trying to build on that. My time in Toronto was great, but I'm looking forward to what I can do here.”

— Ochai Agbaji

What’s next

The Nets will evaluate Minott and Agbaji's performances over the second half of the season to determine if they fit into the team's long-term plans.

The takeaway

The Nets' acquisitions of Minott and Agbaji at the trade deadline represent low-risk, high-upside moves as the team continues its rebuild. Both players are eager to prove themselves and earn new contracts, which could make them valuable pieces for the Nets if they can excel in their new roles and embrace the team's defensive-minded identity.