Before the Los Angeles Lakers were able to acquire Steve Nash and Dwight Howard, the Brooklyn Nets had arguably the best off-season of any team in the league.
Re-signing Deron Williams and bringing in six-time All-Star Joe Johnson via trade were huge steps in the right direction. The Nets continued to pursue Howard in a blockbuster trade that would result in the Nets becoming the biggest threat to the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference, but a deal was never made with the Orlando Magic as the two teams couldn’t agree on a trade that both teams would sign off on.
As a result of the deal falling through, the Nets chose to move on and explore avenues in terms of upgrading to team through free agency.
The most recent move Nets’ front office is trying to finalize is signing forward Andray Blatche according to Mike Mazzeo of ESPNNewYork.com:
“The Brooklyn Nets have agreed in principle with Andray Blatche on a one-year nonguaranteed contract, a league source told ESPNNewYork.com on Wednesday.”
Even though a deal with the Nets appeared to be done on Wednesday, Blatche received an offer from the Heat that he’s seriously considering taking according to Michael Lee of the Washington Post:
According to two sources close to Blatche, the 6-foot-11 forward has yet to make a decision and is also considering an offer from the Miami Heat. One person close to Blatche said, “Nothing is finalized.”
Last season, Blatche averaged 8.5 points and 5.8 rebounds per game for the Washington Wizards.
In 2010, the Wizards signed Blatche to a contract extension worth $28 million. Even though Blatche appeared to be worth the money initially, the 26-year-old forward never panned out and was ultimately waived by Washington using the amnesty clause.
As of right now, Blatche’s days as a starter are over, but he might be able to make an impact in Brooklyn or Miami. Both teams could use his size and scoring ability off the bench.