Nets Trade Rumors Tracker: Latest Updates Ahead of 2015 NBA Trade Deadline
The Brooklyn Nets' rapid-fire rebuild of the last two seasons has been nothing short of a categorical failure.
Left without its own draft pick from now until the Obama daughters are eligible for the presidency and barely hanging on in the playoff race, Brooklyn is expected to be active in trade talks as the deadline approaches.
Continue for updates.
Nets Trade Garnett to T'Wolves for Thaddeus Young
Thursday, Feb. 19
NBA.com's David Aldridge reported that the Nets made a move right before the deadline to send Kevin Garnett to Minnesota in exchange for Thaddeus Young.
Timberwolves Looking to Trade For Garnett
Wednesday, Feb. 18
ESPN's Marc Stein reported on one potential move the Nets may make ahead of Thursday's trade deadline:
No Lopez Trade Imminent
Wednesday, Feb. 11
For a while, it appeared Brook Lopez was almost certainly headed elsewhere. Rumors had the former All-Star headed anywhere from Oklahoma City (h/t Chris Broussard of ESPN) to Denver (h/t Marc Stein of ESPN), but no deal was ever consummated. The Thunder speculation, which surrounded a three-way deal with Charlotte that had Lance Stephenson going to Brooklyn, was by far the closest to completion.
But when the Nets pulled away from those discussions, the mill went radio silent. On the status of Lopez talks, Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski told Nets Daily that the 7-footer remains the likeliest Net to move but nothing is imminent:
"I think [the Thunder and the Nuggets] still have interest in Lopez, but they have not re-engaged. That could start up again possibly. But Oklahoma City was pretty adamant on 'here's the package we want to do for him.' They didn't want to give up any more. Now, they may feel differently at the trade deadline but maybe they get the Nets involved in a three-way or maybe a four-way.
"
The Lopez market remains difficult to decipher. He has a player option worth $16.7 million for next season, which seems like a no-brainer on the surface but really isn't. No team will give Lopez anywhere near a max deal on the open market. However, Lopez's injury history may make him consider opting out and looking for the best long-term deal—something in the four-year, $40 million range.
The Thunder in particular are a team that would prefer Lopez as a one-year rental. They feel they have their center of the future in Steven Adams. Bringing in Lopez would be more about adding an offensive dimension their bench currently lacks and propelling them into the race for the West's No. 8 seed.
As for Denver: Look, man, I have no clue. None. That team's been a dumpster fire since jettisoning George Karl. Nothing the Nuggets do at this point surprise me, mostly because I'm unsure the people in charge have a plan they're sticking to.
I remain skeptical about Lopez actually getting moved because of the size of his contract.
Garnett Not Likely to be Bought Out
Wednesday, Feb. 11
Equipped with a no-trade clause, Kevin Garnett has the ability to choose where he'll (presumably) see out the remainder of his career. Garnett would have no shortage of suitors if the Nets put him on the block if all things were equal, but as is the case with many Brooklyn players, things are far more complicated.
The Big Ticket's $12 million salary for 2014-15 makes trading him next to impossible. Teams interested in Garnett do not have the players to create a salary match or are unwilling to part with the ones who could make it work. The Los Angeles Clippers, the most obvious Garnett suitor, given his relationship with Doc Rivers, have a heaping pile of nothing to offer.
Hence speculation about a buyout. The buyout route would allow Garnett to choose where he'll spend the months of May and June, all while potentially being the last piece on a Finals contender. Garnett remains a rapidly declining player, but he's still a good defender and above-average shooter in mid-range when playing limited minutes.
While it's seemed that Garnett may stick with Brooklyn throughout their struggles, most recent reports indicate that Garnett could return to where it all started with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
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