Big changes could be forthcoming for the Nets…
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The Brooklyn Nets have reportedly put trio Deron Williams, Brook Lopez and Joe Johnson on the trade block and have begun to reach out to teams over a deal.
According to league sources, the Nets are looking to re-tool after last season’s $190m roster couldn’t get further than the second round of the playoffs. After a disappointing 8-11 start to this season, it appears as though patience is running out within the franchise hierarchy.
As a result, reports claim that they are now prepared to move any of their veterans and franchise cornerstones with Paul Pierce having already moved on this past summer.
Williams and Lopez have been largely disappointing over the past year or so but that has mainly been due to injuries and so there is a fear that there will be a lack of interest given their on-going problems.
Veteran forward Andrei Kirilenko has been away from the team recently due to a personal matter but he is also expected to be made available for trade and the Philadelphia 76ers are believed to be in preliminary talks over a deal involving the Russian.
Brooklyn are understood to still be sporting a hefty $94m payroll this season after spending nearly $190m in salary and luxury taxes last year and with the lack of results on the court, they may well be looking to acquire some salary relief in the coming months.
However, in addition to the injury troubles with Williams and Lopez, the Nets may find it difficult to move all three given their contract situations. Williams has two years remaining on a five-year deal worth $98m and so he is due $21m next season and $22.3 in 2016/17.
Meanwhile, Lopez has one more season left after this one on his current $60m contract while Johnson is owed $24.9m in 2015/16 as the trio combine to form the league’s highest-paid threesome this season at $58.7m combined.
While they have shown flashes of their ability, particularly in the win over the San Antonio Spurs last week, it remains to be seen if it is enough to convince the organisation that they can continue to pin their hopes on them for the next few years or whether changes are necessary.
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