Zach Lowe: Kevin Garnett, Brook Lopez will be subject of trade talks
After suffering back-to-back road losses to the Utah Jazz and the Los Angeles Clippers by a combined 74 points, it looked like Brooklyn’s season was all but over.
Following Deron Williams‘ rib injury, the team won only two of eleven games, falling out of the Eastern Conference playoff picture.
With Williams back and Jarrett Jack rejuvenated, the Nets are finally showing signs of life. With three straight victories against the Clippers, Raptors, and Knicks, the Nets are once again looking like a team that is ready to compete.
As we approach the NBA trade deadline, it is likely that the Nets will try to make some moves that can free up the salary cap for the future, while keeping the team competitive. According to Grantland.com’s Zach Lowe, Kevin Garnett and Brook Lopez will be the subject of most trade talks before the deadline. Here is what he had to say:
“It’s also fun to watch the Nets figure out the present and future of their big-man rotation, which includes two pieces — Brook Lopez and Kevin Garnett — who will be the subject of trade talks over the next two weeks. Garnett has a no-trade clause, but he holds some appeal to playoff teams who can use a boost off the bench and/or some long-term salary relief — Golden State, Charlotte, Toronto, and others. The Nets won’t engage in any series of deals that leaves them with more long-term salary, so it will be tough to find the right combination of trades that makes dealing Garnett’s expiring contract palatable. But the cranky one can still knock down a midrange jumper and play solid defense.”
I don’t see a scenario where Lionel Hollins would allow Kevin Garnett to be shipped to another team. His intangibles – leadership, energy, and passion – are irreplaceable. However, it is likely that Brook Lopez could find himself a new home in the next few weeks. His recent play has shown teams around the team that he is still an All-star, increasing his trade value.
What readers said at the time
1 reply came in under this piece in 2015, and they are kept here as they were written — the readers’ words, not ours, spelling and all. The thread is closed; the desk does not take new comments.
jerry258 February 2015
I can’t see any scenario other than KG being bought out in order to go to the Clippers, in which case I doubt the Clippers would be willing to offer any compensation.
Still, how much of a discount would KG be willing to give the Nets, for the remaining salary owed to him (multiply x 3 for the savings because of the luxury tax). Is it worth it for Proky to save maybe 4-6 million in luxury taxes and possibly lose out on finishing in the playoffs, as a result? He isn’t going to allow KG to go to the competing Hornets.
As far as Lopez is concerned, other than the risk of future serious injury, Brook is better than anything Nets could get in return, right now. He also complements Mase, as Brook likes playing high post on offense, while Plum is at low post and cleaning up misses. They have been working better together, than earlier in season.
Still, it should be a no-brainer to sign Andray Blatche to an inexpensive multi-year deal, now that he appears to have found discipline, religion and possibly lost 20+ lbs, enabling him to be guard PFs again. With the loss of Mirza, and KG’s minutes declining, there will always be a chance for everyone, even if Lopez isn’t traded before Feb 19. Someone could always be moved in the off season. The only fear is if Lopez rejects his player option for 16.5 M this summer, and goes to another team as a free agent.
I don’t agree with Zache Lowe about the Nets not taking on future salary, if the player they got, was a keeper, such as Roy Hibbert, Faried (or a Thad Young).