The idea that the Brooklyn Nets shelled out more than $190 million in contracts and luxury tax penalties is simply jaw dropping when you crunch the numbers and compare them to the results they put up in the 2013-14 NBA season. Add in the fact that they mortgaged three first round draft picks, you can now see why any improvement in this team will be made via trade or retirements.Howard Beck of Bleacher Report is reporting that the Nets could look to rebuild in a flash by moving underachieving point guard Deron Williams.
There is an alternative, sources say, the Nets will not rule out: They could look to trade Williams this summer, retool around Johnson and Lopez, squeeze one more run out of Pierce and Garnett and hope for the best.
It’s hard to say what the Nets might get for a 29-year-old former All-Star with bad ankles and $63 million left on his contract, but it’s worth exploring. The Houston Rockets tried to acquire Williams last December, so it’s not inconceivable that another team desperate for point-guard help might inquire.
The Nets’ rise began with Williams’ arrival. Their future hopes may depend on his departure.
I could see Daryl Morey and the Houston Rockets taking a flier on Williams. I’m not sure the results would be any better than a first round exit. Can you imagine what Damian Lillard would have done to Williams during these playoffs?
Another option for the Nets would be to explore a deal with the Los Angeles Lakers. Williams could get Kobe Bryant a few more wins, and possibly be the needed piece for a loaded Lakers squad that could have Dante Exum and Kevin Love on it as well.
