NBA Rumors: New Jersey Nets Doing Right Thing by Not Extending Brook Lopez

The New Jersey Nets will be wise to not extend Brook Lopez, and it appears like that is exactly what they are going to do.

Lopez is on the last year of rookie deal, and according to NBA rules the Nets have until January 25th to extend him. That will be more than enough time for them to keep continuing doing the nothing they are doing. 

The Rumors

This rumor comes straight for the source, as Nets GM Billy King offered the following up about the contract of Lopez. Here is King, as quoted by Mike Mazzeo of ESPNNewyork.com  

"

I'm sure I'll have a conversation with his agent [Arn Tellem]. But I don't know if we'll do anything with him at this point. I think you just have to wait. They may throw a number at you that makes sense.

"

There is the possibility that King offers this up as a negotiating tactic, but given the circumstances there is likely far more truth than strategy in this statement.

Why it Makes Sense Not to Extend

Lopez's contract can run out at the end of the season, but he will still be a restricted free agent. That means he is not going to be leaving the Nets unless they let him leave.

That takes the urgency out of needing to extend Lopez, who is currently out with a fractured foot, now.

Of course, Lopez's future with the Nets is not the main reason not extending Lopez is a wise move. The center is the centerpiece of any deal the Nets hope to put together to land Dwight Howard, or any other trade the Nets try to pull off to better their team and appease star PG Deron Williams.

By not signing Lopez to a longer deal now, the Nets allow any team that would trade for him the opportunity to negotiate their own terms with Lopez.

Overall, the Nets have very little to lose and much to gain by extending Lopez.