The Brooklyn Nets have been very aggressive in pursuing free agents this offseason. However, the latest rumors suggest that they are not as successful as they wanted to be. Besides Jeremy Lin and Tyler Johnson, which players could the Nets still sign this summer?
According to Nets Daily, Brooklyn has missed out on several mid-level free agents that could have been helpful in making the team competitive next season. The players the Nets reportedly tried to sign this offseason include Kent Bazemore, Jamal Crawford, Jared Dudley, Dwight Powell, Sergio Rodriguez and Marvin Williams.
Bazemore decided to stay in Atlanta and re-sign with the Hawks for a four-year deal worth $72 million. Crawford, Powell and Williams also signed new deals with their respective teams. On the other hand, Rodriguez chose the Philadelphia 76ers that got him for a one-year, $8 million contract.
As for Dudley, the Nets offered him a two-year, $18 million deal but he wanted more money and an additional year. He went on to sign a three-year, $30 million contract with the Phoenix Suns. Nets general manager Sean Marks knew that it would be difficult for Brooklyn to attract free agents.
However, it is not all heartbreak for Nets fans because they were able to secure Lin to a three-year, $36 million deal. That was a good signing for Brooklyn and Lin was their main priority heading into the offseason.
The Nets have also secured deals with center Justin Hamilton and power forward Trevor Booker. In addition, the Miami Heat are not expected to match the offer sheet the Nets gave to Johnson worth $50 million.
After those failed and successful signings, which players can the Nets sign? According to CBS Sports, the Nets have agreed to a four-year, $70 million deal with restricted free agent Allen Crabbe. However, the Portland Trail Blazers are expected to match the offer.
Some of the players that have been linked with the Nets include former first overall pick Anthony Bennett and Lance Stephenson. Bennett worked out in Brooklyn earlier in June while Stephenson is looking for a new team after the Memphis Grizzlies declined their option in his contract.
The Nets are not expected to make the playoffs but they want to be competitive. They don't have any first round picks until 2019 so the only thing they can do is to continue playing the best basketball they are capable of.
Check out the video below for the analysis of Lin's three-year deal with the Nets.