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Brooklyn Nets Rumors: Nets Involved in Monster Deal

By Nikhil Potpally

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Brooklyn Nets Rumors: Big Trade Looming?

According to multiple reports, there has been speculation that the Brooklyn Nets are trying to get a trade done with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Minnesota Timberwolves, and possibly the Philadelphia 76ers. In the supposed trade(s), the Nets would receive Thaddeus Young, Reggie Jackson, among others.

ESPN had first reported last night the rumors of a Kevin Garnett to Minnesota deal, but today there has been an update that the Nets were involved in sending Brook Lopez to the Thunder in exchange for a package revolving around Reggie Jackson.

Much of this deal remains in limbo, and hinges upon the willingness of the players involved to commit to their new teams long-term. The Nets would want Jackson to re-sign with them during the offseason instead of bolting, and the Thunder probably want Brook Lopez to pick up his player option for 2015-16. Another aspect of this mega deal, is that Kevin Garnett would have to accept a trade to the Timberwolves, and acknowledge that he would no longer be competing for an NBA title this year.

Jan 21, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Garnett (2) reacts after missing a basket against the Sacramento Kings during the third quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Nets won 103-100. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

Fans of KG would expect Garnett to OK the trade because he has said in the past that he hopes to eventually buy the Timberwolves one day, and also because he would be reunited with his former team and coach. Before Kevin Garnett was traded to the Boston Celtics, he was the face of the franchise of the Wolves, and now, he would be heading back to mentor young players like Zach LaVine and Andrew Wiggins.

In regards to the Nets, if they manage to execute the trade, it would appear to be a remarkable “addition by subtraction”. They would be losing key players of the team, but at the same time, would be adding youth without losing overall skill. During the past few weeks, it looked like the Nets were in a salary dump mindset, and wanted to practically give away Lopez for Kendrick Perkins and Jeremy Lamb to the Thunder. However, GM Billy King was able to resist his urge to blow up the team, and waited closer to the deadline to get back better value. As of now, it looks like he will if the deal goes through.

What would this trade mean to the Nets?

First of all, it would still allow the Nets to compete for a bottom Eastern Conference playoff spot. Losing Lopez for nothing would be a significant blow, but the addition of Thaddeus Young would lessen that scoring void. In addition, the Mason Plumlee – Brook Lopez chemistry issues would be resolved, and Plumlee could continue developing faster than he may have with Lopez. They would legitimately have a shot at the bottom seed of the East even with the trade going through.

Regarding the Reggie Jackson acquisition, the Nets would have a surplus of point guards on their roster. Currently, they have Deron Williams and Jarrett Jack at PG, but adding Jackson could impact the scenario. If  the Nets want assurance that Jackson would re-sign with them, then they would have to guarantee that Jackson would get significant playing time going forward, and that may be difficult to do with three PGs on the roster. The Nets could play small-ball like they did last year, but that may contradict coach Lionel Hollins‘s philosophy.

Feb 8, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Reggie Jackson (15) passes the ball as Los Angeles Clippers forward Spencer Hawes (10) defends during the third quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Unfortunately, losing Kevin Garnett would certainly affect the locker room. He was the voice and persona of the Nets and offered his mentorship to the younger players on the team. Without him, the Nets would not have the experience that he brings to the table, and that may impact them in the playoffs. However, sitting at 21-31, the Nets could use a serious makeover and try to invigorate the franchise as best as they can.

The other teams involved in the deal would also benefit. The Thunder would be well equipped to make a playoff run in the tough Western Conference with the addition of Lopez, and the Timberwolves would be getting back a fan-favorite who brings much needed experience to a young team. A fourth team, such as the 76ers, would need to be involved to take on the contracts of Perkins, and possibly others; however, this team would be able to do so with the amount of cap room they have.

Brooklyn Nets
Brooklyn Nets /

Brooklyn Nets

My impressions of this deal? I think it would be a great move for all teams involved, but it would hurt the fans to see KG and Lopez leave. Fans knew how much Brook Lopez meant to this team ever since the Nets drafted him and appreciate his desire to remain with the Nets in spite of their poor years. His offensive skill was among the best of NBA centers, and it will be very hard to replace him. KG was the centerpiece of the Boston trade last year, which the Nets gave away their future for experience. It backfired, but his energy has given the team some life during some games.

With the NBA trade deadline being only a few hours away, it will be interesting to see if this deal actually goes through. The faces of multiple franchises would shift with this deal, and ALL of the fan bases would be re-energized with this trade. Billy King would appear as a genius (by trading away a large contract for young players and cap relief) only weeks after fans questioned his intentions. This deal may fall apart at any moment, but it is already showing positive signs that the Nets are not giving up.

Next: Lessons we learned about the Nets from the first 52 games

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