NBA Rumors: New Jersey Nets Are Smart to Pursue Ryan Anderson and Kevin Garnett

Now that the chance of reeling in prized commodity Dwight Howard has seemingly evaporated, the struggling New Jersey Nets have shifted their focus to two big names.

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Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix- "Nets already trying to regroup. Two names on the radar this offseason: Kevin Garnett and Ryan Anderson." via Twitter (@ChrisMannixSI)

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After failing to get yet another NBA superstar that they've courted for some time, it's no surprise that Deron Williams is planning to opt-out of his contract with the Nets.

Whether Williams stays or leaves, and it's looking more and more like he'll leave, the addition of either Anderson or Garnett would be a big boost to New Jersey's return to relevance.

Anderson may not be the Orlando Magic player the Nets had in mind, but he's had an impressive breakout season and has come Orlando's best scoring threat behind Howard. The 23-year-old is atop the NBA in three-pointers made and attempted. 

That's not exactly what we've come to expect in the power forward position, but no one will complain if he comes to the Nets and makes five three-pointers a game. 

The Nets have solid three-point shooting across the board, but they lack a specialist to can count on in crunch time.

Garnett doesn't have the youth and outside shot that Anderson brings, but still has plenty left in the tank as he averages more than 15 points and eight rebounds per game as a 35-year-old. The 2004 MVP is a real threat to crack the top 10 in the league's all-time scoring column, as he's currently 18th.

It's no secret that Danny Ainge would dispense of Garnett with a decent offer, and it's hard to think the Nets wouldn't fork up enough to get the 14-time All-Star. 

Garnett is well-respected for his prowess on both sides of the ball. New Jersey is 25th in points per game and 24th in points allowed, so his presence offensively and defensively would give them a huge boost. He's also arguably the most versatile seven-footer in the game.

Courting the superstars hasn't worked for New Jersey thus far in their efforts to rebuild. Adding one of these players will.