The Brooklyn Nets have one of the biggest pay rolls in the NBA to match one of the worst records in the NBA. The Nets are struggling with an 8-11 start to the season, most recently getting blown out by the Cleveland Cavaliers, and their $190 million roster is not helping things out. After putting a starting lineup together with more All-Star appearances than any other team last year, Brooklyn failed to advance past the second round of the postseason and are off to a similar start this year. As a result, Brooklyn is offering up three of their biggest names in trades.
According to ESPN.com, the Nets are currently making Deron Williams, Brook Lopez and Joe Johnson available for trades prior to the upcoming deadline. The Nets have already had exploratory discussions with teams regarding the return rate for any of those three playoffs, but right now no deal is expected in the near future. Sources say the Nets still have a "win-now" mentality are not aiming to just dump salary, but it is clear that at the moment they do not have a playoff team and getting rid of bigger contracts will help the effort to improve for the future.
It is hard to determine whether or not these trades are feasible in the middle of the season. Williams has two years remaining on a five-year, $98 million contract. He has done nothing but battle injuries throughout his tenure in Brooklyn. Lopez has one more season left on his contract that is a player option he is not expected to exercise. He has also had his share of worrisome injuries. Johnson is third-highest paid player in the league and will be owed $24.9 million next season.
If any player is getting dealt it could be Lopez simply because his contract is an easy pickup. No one will chase Johnson who is simply too much. Several teams are looking for rim protection and could chase a big name. The Cleveland Cavaliers need help on defense. The Toronto Raptors could look into him as well.
It is clear that everyone is struggling to pick up the offense of Lionel Hollins. They are lacking on defense and Johnson recently ripped the team as "very selfish" who only pass the ball when they have to. Brooklyn showed some potential by beating San Antonio, but all together they leave a lot to be desired and a trade might be the only way to get things moving.
