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Best options for Brooklyn Nets in a Blazers trade

By Josh Rudy

Feb 19, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets new general manager Sean Marks speaks to the media during a press conference before a game against the New York Knicks at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 19, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets new general manager Sean Marks speaks to the media during a press conference before a game against the New York Knicks at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 18, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Evan Turner (1) brings the ball up the court in the third quarter of their game against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena. The Trail Blazers won 113-97. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Evan Turner (1) brings the ball up the court in the third quarter of their game against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena. The Trail Blazers won 113-97. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

3) Evan Turner

Contract: $17.1 million (2017-18); $17.8 million (2018-19); $18.6 million (2019-20).

2016-17 Statistics:  65 GP (12 starts); 25.5 Minutes/Game; 9.0 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 3.8 APG

The former #2 pick of the draft is now entering his eighth season as a pro. Before securing a large contract with Portland, he had completed stints in Philadelphia, Indiana and Boston.

He’s shown the ability to be an effective slasher, mid-range shooter and defender in the league. Turner can play the ‘point forward’ position due to his skills as a ball handler, which is an intriguing quality for Brooklyn.

At 28 years of age, he is in the prime of his career and could help lead a young team. The question is, how far could he lead them? His contract warrants a significant upgrade of the roster, something which he does not provide. Marks has said before he does not want to extend offers to players who will max their cap space, and ultimately make them a “30-35 win team.” Turner seems like one of those players.

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While the Nets may be able to maximize Turner’s qualities, and possibly expand upon them, he is not the long-term answer at the SG/SF position. He does not shoot well from long-range, connecting on only 26% of his attempts last season, another red-flag for the Kenny Atkinson system.

Similarly to Crabbe, Turner could help the Nets, but the price tag he carries with him may be too much. If the Nets remain patient, more options will arise, and they can remain flexible through the rebuild process.