The Brooklyn Nets are finally making their All-Stars all available for other teams. According to ESPN, playmaker Deron Williams, shooting guard Joe Johnson and center Brook Lopez are now up for grabs on the trading front.
"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 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 indicated that the Nets are not abandoning yet their 'win now' goal and the potential trade has just the purpose of providing significant talent that blends well with their current personnel.
Nevertheless, trading even one of their cornerstones suggests that the Nets management, led by owner Mikhail Prokhorov, has finally realized that their team is still far from becoming one of the major contenders, even in a weaker Eastern Conference.
According to analysts, the Nets' motive to make these players available on the trading block is tied to their current financial situation. The paychecks Lopez, Williams and Johnson receiving this season summed up to a league high $58.7 million, which put the team above the luxury threshold once again.
Williams has two year left in the five-year, $98 million deal he signed in 2011, while Lopez and Johnson each have one year left in their contracts after this season.
The Sacramento Kings could be interested in one of these players, as they look to add one more All-Star level talent which will complement the team's current stars of Rudy Gay and DeMarcus Cousins.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
