The Brooklyn Nets currently have the biggest payroll in the NBA at over $93 million. Despite that massive amount of salary, the Nets have underwhelmed this season and currently sit at 8-11, though they are currently the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference.
— Have You Seen These LIMITED EDITION “Try Me” T-Shirts? —
With so much money tied up, the Nets are apparently looking to shed some salary. According to ESPN’s Marc Stein, the team has put their three biggest stars on the trading block:
Story going online now co-scribed with @NotoriousOHM: ESPN sources say Nets have made D-Will, Brook Lopez & Joe Johnson available via trade
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) December 9, 2014
These are definitely three names who could possibly help the Lakers if they wanted to pursue them. Joe Johnson continues to be one of the NBA’s most underrated scorers, but he has the biggest contract of the three at about $48 million over the next two seasons.
Deron Williams would be an immediate upgrade at point guard for the Lakers, but he has two more years left on his contract, and his play has tailed off in recent years. Though he is playing better this season, he is no longer the player he was in Utah.
Brook Lopez offers the most upside as a true center with a great offensive skill set. Unfortunately, he has had consistent injury issues and has played more than 20 games only once in the past four seasons.
There is no word that the Lakers will pursue any of these players, but any trade were it to happen would have to include Steve Nash’s expiring contract. Jeremy Lin would also be a possibility as would Jordan Hill, though he would have to give his consent to be traded.
[divide]Lakers Practice: Nick Young Starting Lineup