Joe Harris isn’t playing for the Brooklyn Nets, but that’s because he underwent surgery on his left ankle on Nov. 29. His timetable for recovery was tabbed at 4-8 weeks, but it’s possible he doesn’t even get a chance to return to the team.
Exactly four weeks from the date Harris had surgery is Dec. 27, and eight weeks is Jan. 24. There’s hope that he will be able to return closer to four weeks than eight, but now we’re hearing rumors that the Nets are willing to trade their 3-point specialist.
It’s no secret that Harris underperformed in the 2021 playoffs and at the start of the 2021-22 season, but before he got hurt on Nov. 14 against Oklahoma City, he was finally starting to break out of his shooting slump.
The Nets’ offense has missed their sharpshooter, but it was revealed on Tuesday that Brooklyn has discussed trade options involving Harris. That’s a huge shock, considering that he’s been a core part of the team since 2016-17.
The latest trade rumors surrounding Ben Simmons, the Lakers, Nets and Pacers, plus greater context on the Jaylen Brown whispers, and more notes from around the league, all at @BR_NBA: https://t.co/fQTF8VrRKp
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) December 14, 2021
The Brooklyn Nets are willing to trade 3-point shooter Joe Harris.
In a surprise turn of events, the Nets could be getting Kyrie Irving back … but could now be trading Harris. The team’s offense hasn’t been in playoff form, and the only definite way to change that in the near future is to make a trade, even if it means letting go of Harris in the process.
Though Harris being among the potential trade chips for Brooklyn never really cross anybody’s mind — from fans to NBA analysts — but it could end up being a necessity given the current circumstances.
According to Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report, Harris is on the market:
"But Brooklyn has expressed a surprising willingness to discuss sharpshooter Joe Harris, according to league sources, though he would surely require a pricey offer. ‘It’s crazy to me; he’s their only real three-and-D player,’ said one assistant general manager. ‘But his name keeps popping up.'”"
Harris signed a four-year contract extension with the franchise back in November of 2020. Let’s take a look at what he’s getting paid per year for the remainder of his deal to evaluate what the Nets have to work with.
Joe Harris contract details with the Brooklyn Nets
- 2021-22: $17,357,143
- 2022-23: $18,642,857
- 2023-24: $19,928,571
Upon looking at those numbers, Brooklyn would be able to clear out some cap space to land a decent player. Like who? Well, the Pacers have expressed that they’re willing to trade Caris LeVert, Myles Turner, and Domantas Sabonis.
This season, LeVert is getting paid $17.5 million and next year he’s owed $18.8 million. Turner’s getting paid $18 million this year and next year. Those two seem to be the better fit over Sabonis, who’s getting paid $18.5 million this year and the next, and then $19.4 million in 2023-24.
If Indiana doesn’t view Harris as an asset since the organization has supposedly accepted the fact that a rebuild is necessary, a third team could be looped into the trade. The Nets could send a few of its younger players out along with Harris.
According to Fischer, executives around the league believe that Nic Claxton could eventually become available in trade talks too, considering that Brooklyn “gauged his value” during last year’s draft. That’s a name that the Pacers might be intrigued by.
Cam Thomas has shown promise as an NBA player, and perhaps Indiana would also be interested in big man Day’Ron Sharpe. Those two rookies fit the direction that Indiana is looking to head in.
If only we could find out what’s going through Sean Marks’ head. Hang on, Nets fans. It’s gearing up to be a wild ride. This team might be looking very different come late January.
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