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Nets Rumors: Joe Harris likely to re-sign in Brooklyn

ByJerry Trotta|
Nets SG Joe Harris (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Nets SG Joe Harris (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The Nets are reportedly expected to re-sign shooting guard Joe Harris.

The appointment of Steve Nash as head coach and the subsequent assembling of arguably the most star-studded coaching staff in NBA history was probably more than enough publicity for one offseason, according to most Nets fans.

Fast forward to this week, however, and that spotlight was enlarged tenfold after it was reported that James Harden is seeking a trade away from the Houston Rockets and named Brooklyn as his top destination after turning down a two-year, $103 million extension.

Both of these narratives have consumed the majority of conversation surrounding the Nets and that, in turn, has resulted in fans and media members — intentional or not — neglecting the future of other members of the roster.

Well, in a much-needed break from the Harden buzz, SNY insider Ian Begley is reporting that teams interested in signing free agent shooting guard Joe Harris “firmly” expect him to re-sign with Brooklyn this offseason, ending a chapter we certainly didn’t want to drag on.

Begley lists the Hawks, Hornets and Knicks as teams who have real interest in signing Harris, but acknowledged that none of them will be able to outbid Brooklyn, which is widely expected to extend a four-year offer his way in the near future. For those curious as to what this potential deal might look like, two league executives told Begley that the 29-year-old marksman is valued between $16-20 million per year, meaning we could see something like a four year, $72 million contract for Harris.

Shortly after Brooklyn was eliminated from the playoffs in the bubble, GM Sean Marks proclaimed that the organization’s top priority was re-signing Harris, so it’s encouraging to know that there was real authenticity behind those comments.

While the prospect of the Nets ravaging their depth and future draft capital to acquire another ball-dominant scorer in Harden has split opinions among the fanbase, re-signing Harris is a move that all fans in Brooklyn can get behind.

The former-second round pick is fresh off his most productive season as a pro, averaging 14.5 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game with .486/.424/.719 shooting splits. He remains one of the best shooters in the league and could flourish in the Nets’ new-look offense as a catch-and-shoot specialist.

Harris obviously hasn’t signed anything yet, but this report should no doubt ease the minds of fans who thought Brooklyn would lose him to a team like the Hawks, who were reportedly kicking the tires on offering him a lucrative deal.