Key Nets front office figure could bolt for conference rival

Since their tumultuous six-year stint (2010-2016) with Billy King running the show, the Brooklyn Nets have boasted one of the more efficient and overall impressive front offices in the entire league.

With Sean Marks at the helm over the last eight full seasons, the franchise has endured mega free agency successes, five playoff berths, and has seen the team represented in the illustrious NBA All-Star Game five times over.

Throughout this period, the team's behind-the-scenes crew has objectively made more than the most out of an unfavorable situation upon coming in back in 2016.

Of course, as a result of this success, it is always expected that rival teams will have an interest in trying to poach certain individuals from such an envious foundation in an effort to better position their own organization for success moving forward and, with the recent report that the Charlotte Hornets is parting ways with President of Basketball Operations Mitch Kupchak, one Nets front office member, in particular, could be found being pursued by Buzz City ownership.

Brooklyn Nets assistant GM Jeff Peterson could be pursue by Hornets

As recent as last summer, rumblings of Charlotte being interested in Nets assistant GM Jeff Peterson have been a subtle but very real talking point, with Yahoo Sports' Jake Fischer tabbing him as "a possible next lead executive" candidate for the franchise.

"Peterson is hailed for his authenticity, particularly in his ability to communicate up and down the organizational chart. In 2020, Peterson interviewed for the Pistons’ general manager opening. And with a new ownership structure in Charlotte, should the Hornets ultimately move on from Mitch Kupchak after the final year of his contract, Peterson has become widely linked by league personnel as a possible next lead executive in Charlotte. "

- Jake Fischer

Prior to his tenure with the Nets, Peterson spent roughly six years with the Atlanta Hawks where he held numerous positions such as a basketball operations coordinator, scout, and assistant GM.

Outside of being considered "one of the most respected young executives in the NBA," as per Fischer, his link to the Hornets is strengthened by the fact that the current majority owner, Richard Schnall, used to be a minority owner of the Hawks while Peterson was there.

Highly regarded by Marks and an individual who was highlighted in The Athletic's 2022 edition of “40 Under 40,” sooner or later the 35-year-old has been destined for a larger role within a front office setting and now, with the ouster of Kupchak in Charlotte, he may finally get his chance.