Well this isn’t necessarily the news Nets fans want to hear when they wake up or news that’ll give Nets fans to trust in Billy King (if they have any reason at all.). Before the All Star Break rumors swirled around Nets Center Brook Lopez the better Mason Plumlee played the more expendable Lopez became in Billy King’s eyes. Two teams have been rumored to have the most interest are The Hornets and The Thunder as of right now. The Hornets took a risk on Lance Stephenson this off season and it just hasn’t worked out for them, but I think Lance’s injury slowed him down missing some time in the beginning of the year. Injury or not though Stephenson just has not been a good fit in Charlotte at least they’re realizing it and trying move on.
The Nets and Hornets came so close to a deal that they almost called the league office to announce a deal Brook Lopez for Lance Stephenson and Cody Zeller according to NetsDaily.com. Right now I’m sure every Brooklyn fan is thanking the basketball god that this did not happen. Lopez has been in the league for 6 years hindered by injuries and a bum foot, but he’s shown he can be among the better Centers in the league when healthy. Lopez is averaging 15 PPG and 6 Rebounds in about 25-30 minutes a game. If the deal went through for Lance Stephenson and Cody Zeller Michael Jordan would’ve gotten away with robbery flipping Lance’s bad contract and a solid big yet underwhelming at times in Cody Zeller.
By Thursday I do see Lopez being dealt, but at what price does Brooklyn make a move? I’m confused on what they’re asking for in return if I’m Brooklyn I need picks to replenish the draft picks they took to make deals in the past few years giving themselves limited draft picks to even bother with a rebuild. The Oklahoma City Thunder is the team I can visualize making a big push for Lopez I think he fits well with their roster giving them the first true back to the basket big in Durant’s time there. The big problem for The Nets is it could get ugly on the court having Mason Plumlee and the play of Jarrett Jack have helped this team, but still doesn’t take away the fact Deron Williams and Joe Johnson are taking up so much salary cap. Williams minutes have been cut a little bit to try and possibly make a deal if that fails they’ll keep him healthy for a playoff push.
Brooklyn needs to deal Lopez but also get a decent return for the 26 year old big man and that starts with getting some sort of draft pick compensation or possibly a project player that has potential. The only thing I know is if I have Billy King running my team I’m not feeling too comfortable with this report coming out.
