NBA trade rumors: Nets want two first-round picks for Lopez
The Brooklyn Nets already has the worst record in the National Basketball Association (NBA), but after a 105–95 defeat to the continuously rebuilding Philadelphia 76ers, the team has officially hit rock bottom. It couldn't get any worse than that.
Now, reports are saying that the Nets have put their best player on the trading block, but he won't come cheap. ESPN's Marc Stein has revealed that the team is willing to part with center Brook Lopez as long as they get two first-round picks in return. With Jeremy Lin battling hamstring injuries all season long, Lopez has been the Nets' most reliable player. Forward Trevor Booker has played well also, but he can't carry the same offensive load as Lopez.
So, why the steep price? Well, the Nets are obviously looking to rebuild and they won't be getting a quality first-round pick this season because the Boston Celtics have the right to swap picks with them in 2017. They also get the Nets' first-round pick in 2018. Celtics general manager Danny Ainge probably can't thank the Nets enough for all the assets they have given his team when they acquired Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce in 2013.
Is Lopez even worth two first-round picks? He's obviously a gifted offensive player and he added a 3-point shot to his arsenal this season. However, he's a bit slow on the defensive end and he isn't an elite rebounder either. At least he's a good rim protector. Lopez also has a history of foot problems, so teams are going to be wary of that.
The Nets desperately need a draft pick, but are there any teams out there willing to acquire Lopez for that price? A number of publications have graciously reminded doubters that the Denver Nuggets actually received two first-round picks from the Cleveland Cavaliers for Timofey gov back in 2015.
Perhaps there's a team out there that is desperate enough to take a big man who can score for such a price.