Brooklyn Nets Free-Agency Rumors (Photo : REUTERS)
The Brooklyn Nets find themselves in precarious situation five years into the reigns of Mikhail Prokhorov, as they face tax problems and the prospect of hitting the re-start button all over again after consecutive seasons of playoff disappointments.
Yet, there's no stopping the Nets to keep hunting for big names. Despite their status as a long-shot destination for superstar-level free-agents, The Nets are still open on the idea of making a hard push for Kevin Durant and Mike Conley Jr. when they become available in the free-agency market next summer.
According to Brooklyn Game reporter Devin Kharpertian, the Nets' interest in Durant and Conley is understandable given that these two star players have proven themselves worthy of big paycheck being important cogs to their respective teams.
However, the Nets beat writer believed the Nets need to be a bit frugal in spending their money if they struck out on Durant, Conley or even LeBron James, as the remainder of free-agent talents next year aren't worth the max money they are expected to seek for.
"So what'll the Nets do? LeBron's not going anywhere. They seem resigned to the idea that Durant, the real prize of the offseason, probably won't join them in Brooklyn (though they'll obviously leave that door open). Mike Conley is a popular name - he played under Nets coach Lionel Hollins in Memphis, and credits Hollins for his development as a point guard. But Conley has spent his entire career with the Grizzlies, and may not want to leave the relatively successful franchise."
"The team could look to sign players to shorter deals and capitalize on the 2017 class. But will worthwhile free agents in a thin class agree to short-term contracts when just about everyone will be vying for their services?"
While the Nets will be tempted to spend their stash of cash on mediocre players, Kharpertian suggested the Nets should instead sign second or third-tier free-agents to short-term deals and spend the bulk of the cap space in the succeeding free-agency period when the likes of Stephen Curry, Russell Westbrook, Serge Ibaka, Blake Griffin and Chris Paul become up for grabs.
After trading Mason Plumlee and letting Deron Williams walk away this summer, the Nets are projected to take a step back this coming season without any incentive if they ever fail to reach the playoff because they are not in control of their future picks. They have built their roster mainly through free-agency and this trend will likely continue for the next two or three years given the circumstances, putting more pressure on their executives to make the right decisions in the summer of 2016.
