Nets Trade Rumors

"Barring an 11th hour development, Nenad Krstic was preparing to bid at least a temporary farewell to the NBA yesterday, when the Serbian center was expected to sign a two-year contract with a team in Moscow, according to Nets officials. The 25-year-old center would be the second Nets free agent to jump to Russia -- Boki Nachbar signed with a different Moscow team last week -- but Krstic has the team's tacit blessing. Though the Nets were probing some sign-and-trade possibilities with Memphis and one other team before last night's deadline, they believed it would work out for them if Krstic was stashed overseas for a year or two, because they retain his NBA rights as long as they make ..."

"Barring an 11th-hour change of heart, the Nets were set last night to say farewell to center/forward Nenad Krstic, who had a two-year deal worth $10 million in place with a Russian team. The Nets, with the salary cap in mind, had until midnight to try to pull off a sign-and-trade, a scenario that seemed unlikely with Krstic, a restricted free agent. The 25-year-old Krstic would be the second Nets player to depart for Russia this offseason. Last week, forward Bostjan Nachbar signed a three-year deal to play in Moscow. Krstic averaged 6.6 points and 4.4 rebounds for the Nets last season, averaging 18 minutes in 45 games. The 7-footer still hasn't returned to the form he showed before tearing ..."

"The Warriors reportedly have found another point guard to help out projected starter Monta Ellis. The New York Post is reporting that Golden State has acquired Marcus Williams from the New Jersey Nets for a future first-round pick. According to the Post, the pick the Warriors will send to the Nets is lottery protected for 2011, 2012 and 2013. If the Nets don't receive a pick by 2013, New Jersy would get second-round picks in both 2013 and 2015, the article says."

"As expected with Monday’s acquisition of Kevin Dooling to back up Devon Harris at the point, the Nets quickly shipped out Marcus Williams today. New Jersey agreed to deal him to Golden State for a future first-round pick, according to league sources. The former UConn standout, who averaged 5.9 points and 2.6 assists in 53 games for the Nets last season, joins a team that lost free-agent point guard Baron Davis to the Clippers earlier this month and is still attempting to keep likely replacement Monta Ellis from also departing."

"The Orlando Magic's at times shaky relationship with guard Keyon Dooling the past month will apparently end with him taking his game to the Atlantic Division and the New Jersey Nets. The Newark Star-Ledger and multiple other media outlets cited sources over the weekend that the Nets and Magic have a deal in principle for a sign-and-trade for the 28-year-old eight-year veteran. "I'm hopeful ... that we can make a trade," Nets team President Rod Thorn told the Star-Ledger."

"Any program from a Nets' game this past season already is horribly dated. And it's going to get worse within a few days when Keyon Dooling is added after a sign-and-trade deal with Orlando is finalized. Dooling, 28, a 6-foot-3 combo guard, will fill the Nets' most conspicuous need as a backup at both guard positions. The Nets and Magic have worked out the trade that still needs league approval. The Magic get a $3.3 million trade exception that the Nets picked up in the Jason Kidd deal plus cash. Dooling, including three draft picks certain to make the roster, represents the eighth new player imported since draft day. He will bring defense, versatility and experience to an overall very ..."

"The Nets have an agreement in principle to make a sign-and-trade deal for free-agent Keyon Dooling, a combo guard they have pursued for years, and he'll fit right in as a reserve for starters Vince Carter and Devin Harris. "I'm hopeful ... that we can make a trade," was Thorn's closest statement resembling a confirmation last night. An eight-year veteran, Dooling would be acquired by making use of a $3.3 million trade exception the Nets obtained in the Jason Kidd deal last February. That will now be transferred to the Magic, who will prepare a two-year contract that calls for a $3.3 million salary next year and a $3.5 million salary for 2009-10, with a partially guaranteed third ..."

"Keyon Dooling, who angrily left the Orlando Magic following a contract dispute, could be close to joining the New Jersey Nets. The New York Post reported Friday that the Magic and Nets have held discussions about a sign-and-trade deal that would allow Dooling to get a three-year contract worth almost $10 million. The Magic could receive a trade exception worth $3.3 million and an undisclosed amount of cash, according to The Post. The trade exception could be used in a deal any time within the next year and would allow the Magic to take back $3.3 million more in salaries than they give up."

""We could be very active," said Thorn, who hasn't quite been a tree stump the past month, drafting Brook Lopez, Ryan Anderson, Chris Douglas-Roberts, trading for Yi Jianlian and Bobby Simmons and now reaching agreement with free agents Eduardo Najera and Jarvis Hayes. "When you look at our roster, we've got a lot of players now and we could still be active. We might add a combo type of guard or a point before all is said and done." Keyon Dooling is the most coveted combo guard, but after making $3.6 million last season in Orlando, he is looking for more than the Nets care to offer - unless they make those moves...Thorn said he has not "closed the door" on Bostjan Nachbar and Nenad ..."

"Free-agent forward Eduardo Najera expects to know by Monday whether he might leave the Nuggets to sign with the New Jersey Nets. Najera was in Orlando, Fla., where the Nets are playing in NBA summer league, Thursday and Friday to meet with Nets officials. "Met with them just now," Najera wrote in a text message to the Rocky Mountain News on Friday morning. "Everything went great." Najera was asked via text if he will sign with the Nets. "Don't know yet," Najera wrote. "I will have a better answer by Monday.""

"The free-agent names on the Nets' radar and atop their wish list have been fairly consistent: Keyon Dooling. Eduardo Najera. Some who were up front are going elsewhere, like Mickael Pietrus and Roger Mason. And there have been other names that have been in the background. Yesterday, one of them came to the forefront: Jarvis Hayes. "It's close," Hayes said of a possible deal with the Nets. "There is definitely some interest there. And interest here. I can't talk too much about it.""

"Thorn intimated that he and GM Kiki Vandeweghe could look to deal a power forward. Our guess is Stromile Swift and/or restricted free agent Nenad Krstic, who is more of a center, but why squabble? Thorn said the Nets are looking for a wing player, a backup shooting guard or combo guard. Point guard Marcus Williams continues to be on the trading block. The Nets have talked to Chicago about a package that includes forward Andres Nocioni. They could renew talks with Denver for Marcus Camby."

"It remains to be seen if the Nuggets, who also want to re-sign restricted free agent J.R. Smith, will spend enough to keep free-agent forward Eduardo Najera. Najera, whose preference is to re-sign, said early Wednesday evening he hasn't received any offers. Word is New Jersey has made Najera a primary target. General manager Kiki Vandeweghe had that job in Denver from 2001- 06. "Kiki brought me to Denver (in March 2005), and I know he does things the right way," Najera said. "He's trying to get a team to compete in the East. . . . I'm ready for any kind of offer. I'm excited if they're considering signing me." Najera named Dallas, Golden State, Milwaukee, Oklahoma City, New Orleans ..."

"Rod Thorn brought the Nets out of the wilderness once, so is trusted by Bruce Ratner to do it again. But it's not the owner, actually LeBron James, who will be the ultimate judge of Yi Jianlian, Devin Harris, Sean Williams and whatever other pieces Thorn has in place by 2010. Whether from Brooklyn, Manhattan or Oklahoma City, the free-agent-to-be James will get his basketball money to the max. Hardly does LeBron needs to play two blocks or one borough away from Madison Avenue to be any more the recognizable pitchman he already is. If James's good buddy Jay-Z is part-owner of a bad team because Yi hasn't amounted to much more than a 7-foot hill of string beans, the Nets will pay big ..."

"Team president Rod Thorn acknowledged, "I highly doubt we'll sign anybody by the end of the week, but I would never dismiss it." With Roger Mason Jr. headed to San Antonio, Nets are targeting Nugget Eduardo Najera and Pacer Kareem Rush. Nets like the Magic's Keyon Dooling, but he may be a bit pricey ."

"Najera has other suitors. One is Milwaukee, where Najera's former Oklahoma coach, Kelvin Sampson, is an assistant. "A reunion would be great," Najera said. "But I'm not ready for that unless the Nuggets aren't a possibility." Najera expressed similar sentiments about the Spurs and SuperSonics, who have contacted Fegan. Najera played in high school in San Antonio, and Seattle will move to Oklahoma City, where Najera lives. Dallas and New Jersey also have expressed interest. But the Mavericks, whom Najera played for from 2000 to 2004, might be out after agreeing to use their full midlevel exception on DeSagana Diop."

"The Nets made a $2.7 million qualifying offer to restricted free agent Nenad Krstic last week and are said to be interested in trading the 7-foot forward if they do sign him. Krstic is reportedly looking for a two- or three-year deal."

"The Nets have a list of about 20 names, mainly wings, and near the top is Roger Mason, a 6-foot-5 guard who averaged 8.0 points with Washington last season, when he made a minimum $770,610. Figure he'll command in the $2.5 million range. Also of interest to the Nets are Warrior forwards Mickael Pietrus and Matt Barnes, Orlando's Maurice Evans, Indy's Kareem Rush, Knick Fred Jones Fred Jones and Clipper Quinton Ross."

"Although the Nets' top two players - Vince Carter and guard Devin Harris - are locked up for the long term, president Rod Thorn and GM Kiki Vandeweghe still have plenty of work to do. After last week's draft and the trade that sent Richard Jefferson to Milwaukee, the Nets have a roster of players with little or no experience. The team plans to dip into the free agent market - which opened Tuesday - or trade away some of its younger players for veteran talent."

"In two years, it's a done deal: LeBron James absolutely, definitely without question will be playing for the New Jersey soon-to-be Brooklyn Nets. Gotta be, because James is big buds with Nets minor owner Jay-Z. Wait a minute, he wears a Yankees cap and once said Madison Square Garden was one of his favorite arenas. That settles it. In the summer of 2010, James will be signing with the Knicks. Listen to the talking heads on TV, most of whom don't believe James actually likes Northeast Ohio. They can't imagine anyone really wanting to live here. We're Devil's Island, only with worse weather. So James has to leave, because they would leave if they were James. Some media types ..."

"The Nets vow to be aggressive market players but with their draft picks, plus the acquisition of 7-footer Yi Jianlian and small forward Bobby Simmons for Richard Jefferson, some of the glaring holes have been addressed, though not necessarily answered. Ratner would like them answered. Amid all the speculation that the Nets are eyeing the summer of 2010 - LeBron James' free-agent summer - Ratner insisted the mandate is to compete now. "Our plan is to put ourselves in the best position all the time [and] '10-11 is a year when there are a lot of free agents, and we want to be in a position where if one comes our way we're able to do that," Ratner said."

"Vandeweghe and Thorn have said they will try to add more veteran players through trades or free agency, which began at 12:01 a.m. today. The team is believed to be most willing to trade backup point guard Marcus Williams and second-year forward Sean Williams, but no one is considered untouchable - obvious enough considering the departure of Jefferson."

"As midnight struck on the final day of June, dozens of players spilled into the market, and the Nets and the Knicks began pondering a free-agent bonanza. They only have to wait 24 more months to start spending. The Nets and the Knicks will be active, but with severe, self-imposed restraints. Both teams are trying to conserve salary-cap room for 2010 and the greatest free-agent class in recent memory. LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and Amare Stoudemire could all be available."

""So in a couple years baby, I'm a bring you some Nets," rapped Jay-Z in a recently released song called, "Hello Brooklyn." And after a big trade last week, the hip-hop star/Nets minority owner is in position to bring LeBron James to Brooklyn, too. The Nets stole headlines from the rival Knicks by trading forward Richard Jefferson to Milwaukee for 20-year-old Yi Jianlian and Bobby Simmons. By making the move, New Jersey is expected to be $20-22 million under the salary cap in 2010, when James becomes a free agent. While the struggling Knicks are New York City's longtime franchise, the Nets will get a piece of the Big Apple by moving to Brooklyn, probably in 2011. But in two years, don't ..."

"As they were putting some of the finishing touches on the Richard Jefferson-Yi Jianlian deal, the Nets received a call from the Cleveland Cavaliers, who offered them Wally Szczerbiak and his expiring, $13.2 million salary for Vince Carter."

"DeSagana Diop may be headed back to the Mavericks. The team for which Diop played nearly three seasons before getting traded to New Jersey in February may be prepared to offer him its full mid-level exception, an NBA source said Wednesday. That would mean a starting salary of about $5.5 million for Diop, the 7-foot center who was popular not only with fans but in the locker room as a part-time starter with the Mavericks."

"It looks like Rod Thorn and the Nets are going to build through the draft. The Nets still aren't sure what direction they will go in when it's time for them to make a selection in Thursday's draft because they have no idea what the nine teams that pick ahead of them will do. But what the team's front-office tandem of president Rod Thorn and general manager Kiki Vandeweghe seem certain of is that they will be holding onto their three picks - two in the first round and one in the second - as opposed to trading any of them away."

"The Nets have three picks in Thursday's NBA draft - the 10th, 21st and 40th - and intend to keep each unless they get blown away by a trade proposal. But new general manager Kiki Vandeweghe said Monday it is beginning to look "obvious" that the Nets are "not going to stand pat" once the draft is over. The draft could put the Nets in position to deal Richard Jefferson, something that has been rumored for most of Jefferson's seven-year tenure in New Jersey."

"The calendar and the weather may suggest otherwise, but the NBA climate has the feel of February. Much like the frenzy and wild speculation that serve as a prelude to the league's trade deadline, caution must be observed and logic exercised. With so many teams looking to improve and so many names being bandied about, it wouldn't surprise any one if one or two roster-altering moves are completed, perhaps more. Until the NBA final runs its course, no deal will be announced in an environment where there's no shortage of possibilities, some that appear to have merit."

"The Nets have said they want to keep their three prime free agents - Nachbar and DeSagana Diop (both unrestricted) and the restricted Nenad Krstic. Nachbar said the Nets are his first choice. "Come July 1 when we can talk, they will be the first team," said Nachbar, who averaged a career-best 9.8 points this past season. "I appreciate what the Nets have done for me." The Nets, who like his shooting, figure to face some competition for his service. One team that might have interest is the Knicks: Nachbar played for Mike D'Antoni in Italy."

"The agent for Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony shot down trade speculation Wednesday, saying recent media reports are based on "bad information." Calvin Andrews of BDA Sports Management said the Nuggets are "not shopping" his client despite reports the team has had preliminary talks with the New Jersey Nets. "He was caught off-guard, getting all these calls and seeing his name in talks about getting traded," Andrews said."

"Don't look for Nuggets star Carmelo Anthony to be traded. Calvin Andrews, Anthony's agent, told The Denver Post that the Nuggets "informed me that they're not shopping Melo." Anthony has been a target for criticism after the Nuggets flamed out in the first round of the postseason for the fifth consecutive season. New Jersey inquired about trading for Anthony, but Andrews said chatter around the league that Melo might be moved is not accurate."

"Reports out of New York and New Jersey continue to focus on trade talks between the Nets and Nuggets, but there is no indication the Nuggets are intent on dealing forward Carmelo Anthony...By NBA rules, Anthony cannot be traded before June 30, when the base-year compensation restriction on his contract expires. The Nets could use the No. 10 pick June 26, then trade that player to the Nuggets in a prearranged deal. Anthony's agent, Calvin Andrews, did not return phone or e-mail messages. Nuggets coach George Karl has said the team is open to all possibilities after losing the first round of the playoffs for the fifth year in a row."

"The Nets have expressed interest to Denver about trading for Carmelo Anthony, a source said, though it currently seems unlikely the Nuggets would deal their all-star forward to New Jersey. The Nets' new general manager is Kiki Vandeweghe, who was the Nuggets' GM when Denver drafted Anthony third overall in 2003. Vandeweghe has always been enamored with the budding talent of Anthony, who turns 24 on May 29 and started the All-Star Game in February. But it appears unlikely Denver will move Anthony, notably for what New Jersey would give in return. According to the New York Post, the trade would include the Nets dealing Richard Jefferson, young guard Marcus Williams and the No. 10 ..."

"The Nets are said to be considering several trade scenarios, most of which involve Jefferson being shipped. In the rumored Anthony proposal, the Nets would also get Marcus Camby while sending Marcus Williams, Keith Van Horn's contract and other pieces to Denver along with Jefferson. On Monday, Eley said he hadn't heard anything from the Nets about a trade but said he "wouldn't be shocked" if his client was moved. Anthony's agent, Calvin Andrews, told a Colorado television station that the rumor is "B.S. right now.""

"One report yesterday said the Nets have had discussions with the Denver Nuggets about a blockbuster deal that would bring Carmelo Anthony and Marcus Camby to New Jersey for a package that would include Richard Jefferson, Marcus Williams, Keith Van Horn's contract (which the Nets acquired in the Jason Kidd trade) and possibly one of the top picks, if the Nets have one, as well as other unnamed considerations."

"The Nets, who will have investor/minority owner Jay-Z in Secaucus, are slotted to pick 10th - they have an 87 percent probability of staying there - but if they move up to any of the top three spots their chances of dealing the pick greatly increase. They have been talking around the league and one of the teams they will revisit is Denver, where Carmelo Anthony is available. League sources insist the Nuggets are making Anthony available for the right price. The Nets have spoken to Denver - Nets GM Kiki Vandeweghe drafted Anthony and reshaped the Nuggets roster when he was there...One proposal contained "a lot of pieces" including the Nets' pick, Richard Jefferson and Marcus Williams for ..."

"Multiple league sources said the Nets and Nuggets have discussed a blockbuster deal that would bring Anthony and Marcus Camby to New Jersey. In return, Denver would get a package that includes Richard Jefferson, Marcus Williams, Keith Van Horn's contract and the Nets' lottery pick. There likely is more involved to make the salaries match up, but the sources said the trade could happen"

"Don't expect to see Carmelo Anthony in a New Jersey Nets uniform or Nuggets assistant coach Doug Moe on the Denver bench next season... As for Anthony, a report out of New Jersey said the Nets and Nuggets had "exploratory" trade talks involving the two-time All-Star forward and teammate Marcus Camby. Given Nets general manager Kike Vandeweghe's ties to the Nuggets, the rumor seemed natural, though without much foundation."

"The Nets are still on their way to Brooklyn. That was the message Nets owner Bruce Ratner had Thursday regarding speculation that his team may instead end up in Newark. According to a report in the Star-Ledger of Newark, Devils owner Jeffrey Vanderbeek and Newark Mayor Cory Booker are trying to gather investors to buy the Nets and move them to the Prudential Center, the new arena the Devils moved into last fall."

"Addressing a variety of topics in a season-ending meeting with reporters at the team's practice facility, Thorn did not reveal exact details of his plan to get the Nets back on track after they missed the playoffs for the first time in seven years. But he did suggest that Carter will be back despite calls from some to trade the star guard, who signed a four-year, $62 million contract last summer. He also said he would not be surprised if Richard Jefferson, Devin Harris and Nenad Krstic are back again, too."

"So change will be forthcoming, but Thorn stressed it doesn't mean a complete, total overhaul. He said he would be "comfortable" if the four main offensive pieces - Carter, Richard Jefferson, Devin Harris and Nenad Krstic - returned en masse."

"The Nets have been reluctant to pursue restricted free agents because their teams can match any offer, but they could get lucky. Atlanta's Josh Smith and Luol Deng would fit the Nets' needs."

"Package deal: Unless the Nets get impact players in the draft or someone gets hurt, their three rookie picks won't play. Package a pick or two and maybe a future No. 1 with Richard Jefferson and see what it gets."

"The Nets are headed into an offseason with more change looming than in any recent year. There will be draft picks at 10 (likely), 21 and 40. Bostjan Nachbar and DeSagana Diop are unrestricted free agents, and Nenad Krstic is restricted, so the Nets can match. All want to return."

"The lone dissenter was Boki Nachbar, who is probably no better than 50-50 to return, because some eager shopper might throw more money at the free agent than the Nets are willing to spend."

"The Nets will be looking to make significant changes. But one of those changes won't involve the coach, as team president Rod Thorn has repeatedly endorsed Lawrence Frank."

"The Nets will have to decide this summer whether Krstic, a restricted free agent, is still a key player. They also have decisions to make on two unrestricted free agents, Bostjan Nachbar and DeSagana Diop."

"Barring divine intervention, Larry Krystkowiak, Marc Iavaroni and Jim Boylan are days away from dismissal by the Bucks, Grizzlies and Bulls, respectively. Two others on Uneasy Street, Lawrence Frank and Sam Vincent, recently received votes of confidence - from Nets president Rod Thorn and Bobcats owner Bob Johnson, respectively."

"But at least two players, two of the young frontcourt guys, have questions of their own. Nenad Krstic headed for restricted free agency, wonders if he'll be back - which is his preference. And rookie forward Sean Williams just wants to know where he stands and what the Nets think of him."