Brooklyn Nets: Evaluating Willie Cauley-Stein’s potential fit
By Akbar Best
The agent for restricted free agent Willie Cauley-Stein said this weekend his client needs to leave the Sacramento Kings. Could the Brooklyn Nets be a fit?
The NBA Draft finished last week. Now everyone is chomping at the bit as our gaze turns toward free agency. Everyone is trying to get better, whether it’s signing franchise-changing talents or adding key pieces to an already established roster. The Brooklyn Nets are in a position to do both.
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Last season, the Nets’ biggest weakness was easily the frontcourt. Jarrett Allen, as much as he’s improved, still has glaring weaknesses in his game as he comes into his own. Ed Davis, albeit a great rebounder, did not give the Nets the rim protecting the team would’ve liked.
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, despite his versatility, can’t play the 5 for long stretches. And there was a revolving door at the 4 as the Nets looked for consistent play at the position from players who probably fare better on the wing.
Drafting Nicolas Claxton is a start to the fix, but the Nets must use free agency to finish addressing the issue.
It is looking like Willie Cauley-Stein‘s time with the Sacramento Kings is coming to an end. Jason Anderson of The Sacramento Bee reported that Cauley-Stein wants a change of scenery, per his agent, Roger Montgomery of Roc Nation Sports.
"“I really think Willie needs a fresh start. Based on how things have gone for him there in Sacramento, I just think it’s time for Willie to move on and we’d really like him to move on. “We’ve kind of hoped that things would change over the years and Willie would get a chance to expand his game, get a chance to get some consistency there in terms of the roster turnover and the coaching turnover and the things that have not been steady there. “That being said, I’m hopeful they will not even give Willie his qualifying offer so Willie can be an unrestricted free agent.”"
This is an agent trying to increase his client’s leverage, but as a restricted free agent, Cauley-Stein’s leverage is limited. Sacramento still holds the cards, provided the Kings extend the qualifying offer of $6.11 million to retain right of first refusal.