The Brooklyn Nets are expected to make key trades heading into next season. But that would exclude two players the team currently has, Brook Lopez and Thaddeus Young.
Lopez is a priority and regardless if he opts out, the Nets have made it clear that they will be throwing everything including the kitchen sink to make sure that Lopez does not leave Brooklyn.
The call is a big turnaround compared to the February NBA Trade deadline. It will be recalled that Lopez was the subject of trade rumors at that time. But for some reason, the Nets have changed their minds and opted keep the 7-foot center, seeing what he can do if he is healthy.
Lopez has a player option in his contract and a decision is expected to be made by the slotman on or before June 30. He is expected to opt out and it is widely believed that Lopez will be offered a max contract to stay on with the Nets.
The same case holds true for Thaddeus Young who was acquired by the Nets from the Minnesota Timberwolves back in January in exchange for Kevin Garnett.
Young is a promising cager with the ability to score when the need calls for it. He has proven capability when he was still with the Philadelphia 76ers and stands to be among the best forwards from hereon once he is given the ample push to do so.
Aside from the two, the Nets will be looking at trading other players to comprise their team.
The coming 2015 NBA Draft stands to be a futile resource considering the Nets will be selecting next to the last in the first round.
On the block right now are Joe Johnson, Deron Williams and possibly Mason Plumlee. Plumlee will become dispensable especially if the Nets are successful signing Lopez long-term.
Heading into next season, the only thing certain is that the Nets want to have Lopez and Young as their 1-2 punch. With regards to the rest of the team, expect general manager Billy King to be busy in the offseason as he tries to pull some strings and whip up a competitive team in the 2015-16 NBA season.
