Brook Lopez Trade Rumors: Latest Buzz and Speculation on Nets Star
With the Brooklyn Nets mired in a losing streak that's thrown their season into a state of flux, the front office could be looking to make changes. Brook Lopez is the best trade piece they have, and they are reportedly trying to drum up interest in him. However, Brooklyn reportedly has rejected an offer from Denver.
Continue for updates.
Thunder in 'Serious Talks' for Lopez
Thursday, Feb. 19
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports, discussions between the Thunder and Nets regarding Brook Lopez have reopened, due to Reggie Jackson's availability. Wojnarowski added that the two teams "are in serious talks" for a Lopez deal, which would involve a "package including Jackson," later adding that a deal was "close."
The trade may also be part of a larger move involving Brooklyn dealing Kevin Garnett to Minnesota and Jarrett Jack to Washington, via Wojnarowski.
CBS Sports' Ken Berger and ESPN's Brian Windhorst provided more perspective on the potential deal:
Bleacher Report's Howard Beck later revealed talks as being a two-team deal:
Should a deal be made involving Lopez and Jackson, Wojnarowski reported the Thunder "could make a move for Miami's Norris Cole."
The Nets are "attempting to make a move to offload some salary/ease luxury tax. In short, they're looking for home for Kendrick Perkins," Windhorst stated.
Wojnarowski first reported that things were heating up between the Nets and Thunder on Jan. 15.
Reports of a three-way trade involving Lopez and the Thunder first popped up on Jan. 15, when ESPN's Chris Broussard reported that Charlotte, Brooklyn and Oklahoma City were discussing the deal. Sam Amick of USA Today noted that Kendrick Perkins would have been involved in the deal.
However, Beck reported on Jan. 16 that the previously discussed deal sending Lopez to Oklahoma City and Hornets guard Lance Stephenson to Brooklyn is dead.
Team Stream Now Weighs In On Lopez's Future
Wednesday, Feb. 18
Alex Kennedy of Basketball Insiders spoke on Lopez's future before tomorrow's trade deadline:
Lopez Likely to Be Moved Ahead of Deadline
Tuesday, Feb. 17
Kennedy spoke with Bleacher Report's Stephen Nelson about five players most likely to be traded ahead of the deadline, including Lopez:
Nets Reject Nuggets' Trade Offer for Lopez
Monday, Feb. 2
ESPN's Marc Stein reported details of the trade offer the Nets rejected from the Nuggets:
On Jan. 25, Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated reported Denver would include JaVale McGee in a potential trade, which supported what Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski first reported on Jan. 16.
On Jan. 22, Christopher Dempsey of The Denver Post reported the Nuggets were exploring packages to land Lopez.
Beck Predicts Lopez To Move by Deadline
Wednesday, Jan. 21
Beck weighed in on Brook Lopez's future in Brooklyn before the trade deadline:
Nets Discussing Trade Scenarios with Multiple Teams?
Thursday, Jan. 15
Wojnarowski provided new details surrounding Brooklyn's trade discussions involving Lopez:
Wojnarowski went on to outline a potential trade scenario involving Charlotte guard Lance Stephenson:
"The Nets have had discussions with Oklahoma City on Lopez, but the best chance for bringing back value on the former All-Star center could be gambling on the talent of Stephenson. There's support for a Stephenson homecoming to Brooklyn on the ownership level but rival teams believe the front office is more cautious about taking on the volatile player.
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Mannix reported on another team that is reportedly interested in Lopez:
Wojnarowski also noted other potential offers the Nets could receive for Lopez:
"Denver has discussed a package centered on center JaVale McGee, but his consistent problems with injuries have discouraged the Nets' interest, sources said. Miami raised the idea of a package including Chris Andersen, Norris Cole and Josh McRoberts, sources told Yahoo Sports. The Los Angeles Lakers have expressed interest too, sources said.
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Nets Discussing Potential Lopez Trade
Wednesday, Jan. 14
According to Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPNNewYork.com, one of the teams expressing significant interest in Lopez is the Miami Heat:
The Nets discussing trade options for Lopez does not come as a huge surprise, since Youngmisuk also recently reported that the Nets had conversations with Oklahoma City about a deal centered around Lopez and Kendrick Perkins:
Even though injuries have plagued Lopez throughout his career, he's been able to stay relatively healthy this season.
Lopez has been bookmarked to be traded for a long time, with things coming to a head earlier this month when Nets head coach Lionel Hollins told Stefan Bondy of New York's Daily News after a game that his center was "being lazy" when he didn't go after a loose ball.
The Heat have been looking for size going back to the days when LeBron James was leading them to titles. They were so desperate that they signed Greg Oden last year, so Lopez would certainly have a role on a Miami team that ranks last in rebounds per game.
The Nets are in a bad state right now with no clear signs that things will get better.
