The Brooklyn Nets have gotten off to a slow start to their season, sporting a disappointing 8-11 record. Right now, that's still good enough to make the Eastern Conference Playoffs, but they're no where near the championship expectations this team had when they acquired high-priced guards Deron Williams from Utah and Joe Johnson from Atlanta.
As a result, Brooklyn is looking to shake things up by making Williams, Johnson, and center Brook Lopez available via trade, according to ESPN's Marc Stein and Ohm Youngmisuk:
The Brooklyn Nets have begun reaching out to teams to let them know that former All-Stars Deron Williams, Brook Lopez and Joe Johnson are all available via trade, ESPN.com has learned.
League sources told ESPN.com that the Nets, off to a disappointing 8-11 start and looking to retool after last season’s $190 million roster filled with veterans couldn’t advance beyond the second round of the playoffs, have let it be known that they are prepared to move any of those franchise cornerstones in what would likely be separate deals if they came to fruition because of the high salaries each possess.
Sources say no trade is imminent involving any of the three players.
While all three have talent teams covet, their massive contracts could restrict any potential moves.
Williams is due to make $21 million and $22 million over the next two seasons, while Lopez has a player option for $16 million next year and Johnson is on the books for a whopping $25 million.
Williams (17.1 ppg, 6.5 apg) has seen his value decline in recent years while he's struggled with various injuries, but has played better this season after offseason ankle surgery.
Johnson (15.7 ppg, 5.0 rpg) is one of the best clutch shooters in the league, but lacks consistency and recently called his teammates out for being selfish.
Lopez (16.1 ppg, 6.2 rpg) might be the best offensive big man in the league, but he's a bad rebounder and as fallen out of head coach Lionel Hollins' late game rotations.
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