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Brook Lopez is a Net After the Trade Deadline … Again

By Tj Porreca

Feb 13, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) reacts in the third quarter against Memphis Grizzlies at Barclays Center. Grizzles win 112-103. Mandatory Credit: Nicole Sweet-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 13, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) reacts in the third quarter against Memphis Grizzlies at Barclays Center. Grizzles win 112-103. Mandatory Credit: Nicole Sweet-USA TODAY Sports /
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Prior to the NBA Trade Deadline, there were numerous rumors suggesting the Brooklyn Nets entertained offers for Brook Lopez. However, the deadline has passed, and the Nets did not trade Lopez.

Heading into the NBA trade deadline, the Brooklyn Nets initially wanted two first-round picks in exchange for Brook Lopez. When the Sacramento Kings dealt DeMarcus Cousins to the New Orleans Pelicans, the Nets had to lower their asking price in a trade for Lopez.

Lopez’s name was brought up in connection to the Pelicans (prior to the Cousins trade) and the Pacers in the days leading up to the deadline. Ultimately, though, instead of potentially taking a lesser offer than their initial asking price, the Nets opted to hold onto Lopez.

For years, Lopez’s name has been floated in trade rumors, with multiple different destinations and potential return packages. Through it all, though, Lopez has remained a constant with the Nets, first in New Jersey, and now in Brooklyn.

It would have made sense for the Nets to trade Lopez at the deadline, if Brooklyn received an offer to its liking. Lopez is set to be a free agent after the 2017-18 season, and, all things considered, the Nets are just a nine win team as of this writing, even with Lopez.

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But with that being said, there was no reason to simply give Lopez away. The Nets were not going to trade Lopez just for the sake of making a deal. Brooklyn, after all, did well to acquire another 2017 first round pick from Washington in exchange for Bojan Bogdanovic and Chris McCullough. The Nets now have two first round picks in what will be a loaded 2017 NBA Draft, while could immensely help Brooklyn’s rebuild.

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As for Lopez, he will remain with the Nets throughout the remainder of the 2016-17 season. Considering that Lopez’s name was frequently in trade rumors over the past few months, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Nets revisit the possibility of trading Lopez in the offseason.

However, by the offseason, Lopez will have just one year remaining on his current contract. The Nets will have to assess the market in a few months, and decide if keeping Lopez is worth it, knowing full well that he can depart after the 2017-18 season.

Lopez has re-signed twice with the Nets after his rookie contract expired. First for four years, $60 million, (the fourth year was a player option, which Lopez declined), and again for three years, $63 million. Lopez is currently in the second year of that three year contract.

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Brooklyn’s roster has seem plenty of turnover in the past few years. But along the way, Brook Lopez has remained a steady force, consistently producing, as he always has. Yet another trade deadline has passed, and Lopez will remain a Net, at least through the end of this season.