The Brooklyn Nets have plenty of decisions to make in the offseason and many will be dictated by what Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett opt to do. Both veterans were acquired in the offseason after a blockbuster deal with the Boston Celtics. Pierce came with an expiring contract while Garnett has a player-option to his name. With one or both available to head elsewhere, who could come in and fill their spots?
After the Nets fell to the Miami Heat, Pierce remained coy on what his future looked like. Telling reporters he had to even entertain the thought of free agency. Looking for one last shot at winning a championship, Pierce believes he can play at least two more seasons, but whether or not that is with Brooklyn remains to be seen.
"I haven't really put much thought into it," Pierce said, via ESPN.com. "I put my whole focus into this season, it's my last year of the contract. I will sit back and talk to the family and see where my options are from there and go from there. I think I still have something in the tank I can give a team. Maybe one or two (years) at the most."
Early reports have Pierce headed out west, so who fills his spot? How about Josh Smith? According to the Detroit Free Press, Smith is available for trading along with Greg Monroe. The Nets have no need for Monroe, but reuniting Smith with Joe Johnson could be something Brooklyn favors. With trade rumors swirling around Deron Williams and Brandon Jennings, does a point guard head to Detroit while the Nets get Smith? Financially the move makes some sense, but it is a big if that the move happens. This is mere speculation and simply ideas being tossed around for ways to improve in the offseason, but it is a trade deal that many sources believe could be a viable option for both teams.
Luol Deng could be a solid choice for Brooklyn depending on the forward's contract demands. Deng was unable to agree to an extension last summer because his price tag was simply too high. That led to a trade from Chicago to Cleveland. If Deng demands the same contract size, that deal could be squashed before it even starts.
The Nets could make a deal for Tristan Thompson from the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cleveland Plain Dealer is reporting that the forward is officially available for dealing. The issue is that the Nets have nothing to give up. They do not have a first-round pick nor do they have a ton of assets that could pry Thompson away. The Nets will have some salary cap relief with Pierce of the books and if they veteran opts not to return, Brooklyn can get creative with how to use it.