Instead of thinking about the Nets improving, think about it this way:
It's unlikely that the Nets will be better than the Hawks (1), Cavs (2) or Raptors (3) next year.
The Wizards (4) will probably have a new coach and improve as a result, even if they lose a starter or two.
The Bulls (5) will still have Mirotic, Gasol and Noah, even if they lose Butler, Thibs and Rose. That's better than the Nets.
The Bucks (6) should have Jabari all year.
The Heat (7) will have Bosh and a full season of Whiteside.
The Pacers ( 8 ) will have PG back and a lottery pick. Those spaces are just so it doesn't go like this (
So what could the Nets do to top any of those 8 teams? (Also disclaimer: those numbers aren't the order that I think they will finish, it's just to point out that there are 8 teams above where I think the Nets will finish, no matter what the Nets do.)
We have a good chance at either a lotto pick or a max FA, the Hornets are adding a lotto pick and were good last year, the 76ers could do a bunch of trades and get the Lakers' #6 pick in combination with their own pick, the Knicks could pull off a coup, etc.
So basically, the Nets could do what exactly to improve? They could either resign Lopez and have their cap tied up to a player that will be injured half the year, or they could let him walk and replace him with who? Who are they drafting with the ATL pick that will skyrocket them past any of those teams? If anything, they'll probably be
worse next year!