Brooklyn Nets Reportedly Listening to Offers for Brook Lopez

Trade rumors are nothing new for Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez. In the past, Lopez’s name has come up regularly. However, a new ESPN report suggests the Nets may actually move Lopez at the trade deadline.

If the Brooklyn Nets were going to make a significant trade — whether it would be prior to the NBA trade deadline, or closer to it — it would likely involve Brook Lopez, for a number of reasons. For years, Lopez’s name has been thrown around in various trade rumors. Of course, nothing has ever materialized, and Lopez remains the longest tenured member of the team.

But a new report from ESPN’s Marc Stein suggests those within the NBA believe the Nets “are open to moving Lopez” in the right deal, by the trade deadline.

Stein reports that the Boston Celtics, who reportedly were one of the teams to have interest in Lopez, are not interested at the moment. However, sources told ESPN that they believe the Nets are “doing their due diligence” as it pertains to a potential Lopez trade.

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Obviously, it’s extremely early in the season. While the Nets have said they won’t judge this season by wins and losses, trading Lopez any time soon would give the appearance that the Nets are conceding the 2016-17 season, which doesn’t seem likely.

In a few months, though, if the Nets are out of contention as many in the national media expect, trading Lopez may make more sense. Lopez is Brooklyn’s best player. He’s their longest tenured player, but he’s also their most tradable asset. With Sean Marks and company trying to rebuild the Nets, trading Lopez — ideally for a first round pick — could help accelerate the process.

Lopez was already offensively talented prior to this season, of course, but he’s added another facet to his game. Lopez has begun taking, and making, more three-pointers. Surely there’s an argument to be made that Lopez has shot too many three’s to this point, but he has proven that he can float out beyond the arc and make them.

Lopez is a top center in the NBA. Considering how valuable he is to the Nets, they wouldn’t give him away. A team would likely have to come with a formidable offer. And around the trade deadline, when teams are looking for an additional piece to put them over the top, the likelihood that the Nets would receive a solid offer increases.

It’s also important to note that the Nets, according to ESPN, are not actively shopping Lopez. By the sounds of it, Marks is not trying to trade Lopez, but rather listening to what other teams have to say.

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If, in the coming months, Marks receives an offer that he and the Nets deem appropriate, the Nets could trade Lopez to a contender. Lopez is approaching 30, and perhaps the Nets would value a young asset in exchange for him. For now, though, Lopez will remain a fixture in the Nets’ front court.

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