The Nets have signed No. 22 overall pick Drake Powell to his rookie scale contract, the team announced today in a press release.
Powell officially became a Net on Monday when the three-team trade involving the Hawks and Celtics that was agreed to prior to the draft was finally finalized, sending his draft rights to Brooklyn.
A day later, he has become the last of 2025’s first-round picks to sign his rookie scale contract — all 30 of those players, including each of Brooklyn’s five first-rounders, are now under contract with their respective teams.
[RELATED: 2025 NBA Draft Pick Signings]
Powell averaged 7.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game for UNC last season on .483/.379/.648 shooting. At 6’6″ with a 7’0″ wingspan and elite athleticism, he brings a versatility and hard-nosed defensive mindset that the Nets could use in their rotation.
However, he won’t be available when Summer League gets underway for Brooklyn later this week. As Brian Lewis of The New York Post details, Powell is being held out as a precaution due to tendinopathy in his left knee, an injury he sustained during the pre-draft process.
Assuming he signs for 120% of his rookie scale amount, which is the standard, Powell will earn $3.37MM as a rookie and $3.54MM in year two, with third- and fourth-year team options that could bring the total value of his rookie contract to $16.72MM.
I figure Cam, MPJ, Clowney & Claxton form 4/5 of the Nets lineup but who’s their starting pg? Traore & Saraf both started for pro teams last season. TMann or Egor could start in bigger lineups. Maybe they go get NYC HS legend Cole Anthony?.. link to m.youtube.com
They should go sign Giddey. A young vet who can give them, the team direction. Cam can play with Giddey cause he has size.
They just used 3 1st rd picks take 3 young pgs so I doubt they go overpay Giddey, esp since they’d have to give up an asset to get him in a sign & trade. They prob start off starting Egor but Traore prob be their starting pg by end of season
Yeah but they are yrs away. And Giddey is the real thing to me. They still will develop. And can trade them later. Even a guy like Anthony is fine. Not a fan of a team of 19 yr olds. Imo Giddey is one FA they could realistically sign. With 19 ye olds you can wait 3-5 yrs. To see the real value. Giddey, Clowney, Claxton can be the foundation. FA next year and development for next 3-5 yrs.
Nets got plenty of vets, it’s definitely not a team of 19yr olds. MPJ is a champ, Claxton & TMann are sorta perfect vets for guards/bigs to learn from respectively. They could use another vet but this season is mostly about gaining chemistry between & developing their young guys, identifying who the keepers are & losing enough to get the best odds for the #1 pick.
Also Giddey isn’t the real thing as far as what Brooklyn needs. He wouldn’t move the needle for them at all rn. This is a team that has shown that they can attract top tier talent before. Next summer or whenever they’re ready to compete they’ll be able to get someone better than Giddey.
Nets are so young. You wonder if they will get some vets to lead and mentor team. There is a lot of talent here. Just not enough NBA experience. Do you wait on guys to show 3-5 yrs from now. It’s like a developmental G-league team. Not really been done before ……
This is why I say go sign Giddey and Kuminga and build around them. Warriors and Bulls both probably match. Cause they can’t let them walk. Bulls might trade him to Nets for young talent and a pick. At least I would try.