The Brooklyn Nets might eventually decide to part ways with Brook Lopez before the 2014-15 NBA season trade deadline, considering the current contract situation of the oft-injured center.
John Zitzler of Basketball Insiders reported that the Lopez has expressed interest in staying with the Nets long-term, but the Nets might eventually trade him if they won't get a commitment before the 26-year-old center gets a chance to test free agency.
Lopez, who only played in 17 games last season due to lingering foot issues, still has two years left in his contract with the Nets, but has an option to test free agency after the current season.
"Even if Lopez wanted to remain with the Nets long-term, he could decline his player option if he felt that he could land a more lucrative deal with more long-term security by opting out," Zitzler said.
The former Stanford standout has proven before the he could be an elite center in the league if he can stay healthy. During the 2012-13 NBA season, he managed to play in 74 regular-season games where he averaged 19.4 points to go along with 6.9 rebounds and 2.1 blocks.
Despite being slowed down by injuries last season, Zitzler believes that several teams might be willing to take a gamble on the 26-year-old, and strike a trade deal with the Nets.
"Considering the lack of talent at the center position throughout the league, Lopez, despite his health concerns, is still a valuable commodity," Zitzler added. "If the Nets don't feel confident in his ability to stay healthy or their ability to re-sign Lopez at a reasonable price, don't be surprised to see the team consider offers on their skilled center."
Lopez, who missed their first two games this season after suffering a right midfoot sprain during an offseason game last month, is set to make his debut for the Nets on Monday when they go up against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Brooklyn.
"I think I'm just gonna have to come out and be mentally prepared," Lopez said of his impending return via ESPN. "Make sure I have the [offensive] sets down, the defensive plays. It's tough coming in from doing pretty much nothing to playing pretty much a full NBA game with the speed of the game. It's gonna take a lot of preparedness, but I'll be ready."
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