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Brooklyn Nets rumors: Mario Hezonja on free-agent radar

By Chris Milholen

BROOKLYN, NY - JANUARY 1, 2018: Mario Hezonja #8 of the Orlando Magic handles the ball against the Brooklyn Nets on January 1, 2018 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
BROOKLYN, NY - JANUARY 1, 2018: Mario Hezonja #8 of the Orlando Magic handles the ball against the Brooklyn Nets on January 1, 2018 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Brooklyn Nets rumors, Mario Hezonja
TORONTO, ON – APRIL 8: Norman Powell #24 of the Toronto Raptors shoots the ball as Mario Hezonja #8 of the Orlando Magic defends during the second half of an NBA game at Air Canada Centre on April 8, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images) /

How Hezonja fits with the Brooklyn Nets

The 6-foot-8 forward can fit very well with the Brooklyn Nets. Hezonja is a shooting big man who favors a small-ball offense.

On the offensive end, Hezonja can play various roles. He can spot up from 3-point range or drive to the basket looking for a foul. The Croatian big is also a great passer. He can be a little messy with the ball in his hands, but is capable of making great passes to cutters.

If signed by the Nets, Hezonja would become a wing and a power forward. Brooklyn is a 3-point shooting team that would like to add Hezonja to its list of sharpshooters. It would be smart to put him at the power forward position, especially on the defensive end.

Brooklyn is in need for a defensive big to be added to their frontcourt. Hezonja has the size and the strength to protect the basket. His defense was adequate last season, but does not need to do much developing to improve on it.

Adding Hezonja would be a good addition to the Nets, but how much is he worth?

Market Value

Hezonja’s market value is around $4 million to $7 million a year. Due to his rising performance last season, it will not be surprising if a team offers him more than his market value.

His market value is right in Brooklyn’s ball park. Brooklyn can spend $8.3 million without going over the cap, which means they have a good chance at signing Hezonja. Now, Brooklyn currently has its eyes on re-signing Joe Harris, which means ruling out Hezonja is possible.

The good thing for Brooklyn is its is able to go over the cap in order to re-sign Harris, using his Bird rights (the Nets hold early Bird rights on Harris).

It would not be a bad decision for Brooklyn to sign both Harris and Hezonja. Hezonja has proven his success at the power forward position while Harris has mainly played shooting guard.

Another team that has expressed interest in Hezonja include the Sacramento Kings.

Next: Nets best 10 players from 1st NBA decade

The NBA free agency frenzy will officially begin Sunday at midnight Eastern, but players will not be able to sign new deals until July 6.

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