The Brooklyn Nets are 10-15 and barely hanging around in the Eastern Conference playoff race but, considering their position against the luxury tax and their status as a pretender, it’s obvious why they want to move some pieces to free salary cap. They tried, they’re not going anywhere this year (or for the foreseeable future) and now they’re going to try to break things down and rebuild.
The Nets have made it known that their “big three” of Brook Lopez, Deron Williams, and Joe Johnson are available for trade but they might be hard to move due to their large contracts. At the same time, it wouldn’t be a surprise if they did get moved because some teams will be willing to take on the talent and money assuming that Brooklyn isn’t asking for much in return for the needed cap relief.
Brook Lopez Most Likely Fit: Los Angeles Lakers Other Potential Destinations: New York Knicks, Indiana PacersIt seems as though Brooklyn has been trying to move Lopez ever since he came into the league. While his contract is inflated and he has had his issues staying healthy, he could still be a quality contributor for a team in need of a veteran big man. Lopez is the most attractive of the trio because there’s no question about his production when he’s on the court. He’s a solid center and, at his best, could potentially be in the All-Star conversation. The problem is that he hasn’t played a full 82-game season in three years.
But the Lakers are desperate for talent and Lopez could be a good fit as the starting center for the next couple of seasons. Los Angeles could move the expiring contracts of Steve Nash and Jeremy Lin as part of the deal and that would address a need for the Lakers while at the same time saving the Nets some money. With Bryant, a healthy Lopez, and a healthy Julius Randle, the team should be able to push past .500.
Deron Williams Most Likely Fit: Los Angeles Lakers Other Potential Destinations: Detroit Pistons, Indiana PacersIt’s no surprise the Lakers are on this list again as a potential suitor for a veteran point guard like Williams. The Lakers are short on time as Bryant is in the twilight of his career and a two- or three-year rebuilding plan won’t cut the mustard. They need answers now. Though Williams is a shadow of his former self, he’s still an upgrade over what they have now.
Some other teams that could work are the Pistons, who are desperate for a guard to get the ball to Andre Drummond and Greg Monroe inside and stop hogging the ball and taking a thousand shots (see: Brandon Jennings).
Joe Johnson Most Likely Fit: Charlotte Hornets Other Potential Destinations: New Orleans Pelicans, Sacramento KingsThe Hornets are desperate for talent and they reportedly would like to move Lance Stephenson if they have the opportunity. That’s what could make this work. The Hornets were a playoff team last season and were hoping to build on that with the addition of Stephenson. However, that has failed miserably as the chemistry has been off. Johnson would likely be a much better fit for this team and his experience would be quite valuable to this young team.
Many of the same things can be said about Johnson to the Pelicans as the team needs to get Anthony Davis some help. He’s emerged as one of the best players in the NBA but he’s not getting enough help from the backcourt. Eric Gordon never panned out but Johnson could step into that spot and provide some steady minutes. Along with Jrue Holiday, Tyreke Evans and Omer Asik, the Pelicans would have a fairly solid starting five that could push for a playoff spot in the Western Conference.
