Thursday’s commerce deadline got here and went, and the Nets have been silent. There have been rumblings that veterans similar to Cam Johnson, Nic Claxton and Day’Ron Sharpe might be on the transfer, however no offers have been made, and all three stay in Brooklyn for now.
“Our group has handled it great, because our group has been involved in [rumors] from the beginning,” head coach Jordi Fernandez mentioned forward of Wednesday’s 119-102 loss to the Washington Wizards at Barclays Heart. “That’s the reason why they just kept working and kept competing. These last few days are no different than weeks ago.”
Johnson, who returned from a six-game absence on Wednesday, was essentially the most sought-after of the bunch. The Nets have been searching for two first-round picks or equal for his providers. Groups such because the San Antonio Spurs, Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder, Memphis Grizzlies and the Cleveland Cavaliers confirmed curiosity within the soon-to-be 29-year-old. None have been keen to satisfy that asking worth.
Johnson has averaged 19.3 factors, 4.0 rebounds and a pair of.9 assists in 36 video games this season whereas taking pictures 48.8% from the sector, 90.2% from the free throw line and 41.7% from distance. He has two years left on his present deal value $21.5 million yearly and stays a beneficial asset even when Brooklyn couldn’t discover a appropriate commerce accomplice this cycle.
“It’s always great to have him,” Fernandez mentioned of Johnson. “Leadership in the right way. He creates attention. He makes everyone’s life easier; not just his teammates but also me. So, it’s great to have him, great connector, great leader.”
Earlier within the season, the rebuilding Nets traded Dennis Schröder and a second-round decide to the Golden State Warriors for De’Anthony Melton, Reece Beekman, and three second-round picks. In a separate deal, Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton have been dealt to the Los Angeles Lakers for D’Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis, and three second-round picks.
Now that the commerce deadline has handed, groups will shift their focus to the buyout market, and Ben Simmons is reportedly within the strategy of negotiating his personal buyout with the Nets. He’s making $40.3 million this season and is within the ultimate yr of a $177 million deal. He’s averaged 6.2 factors, 5.2 rebounds and 6.9 assists in 33 video games this season after a pinched nerve in his decrease again restricted him to only 15 video games final season.
If Simmons have been to change into a free agent, Cleveland and the Los Angeles Clippers are considered as potential suitors. The seven groups that aren’t allowed to signal a participant that’s waived and had a pre-existing wage of at the very least $12.8 million are the Celtics, Nuggets, Lakers, Bucks, Timberwolves, Knicks and Suns.
Brooklyn instructions 31 whole draft picks over the subsequent seven years — 15 first-round picks and 16 second-round picks. That features 4 first-round picks and one second in 2025. The 2025 Draft Lottery will probably be held in Chicago on Might 12.
The Nets fell to 17-34 following Wednesday’s loss to Washington. They at present maintain the sixth-best lottery odds getting into Thursday’s video games, one recreation out of fifth place and 4.5 video games out of third.
