The Brooklyn Nets had a spending spree last offseason, but they failed to hit expectations again this season, losing to the Miami Heat in the second round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs in five games.
The Nets' failed title bid this offseason could lead to major roster changes again this offseason in hopes of striking balance in their lineup next season.
Most talks are focused on the Nets' plan on the future of veterans Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett, but Brooklyn could make a bold move this season, and trade star point guard Deron Williams.
Reports indicated that the Nets might consider trading Williams, who struggled all-season long as he averaged career-lows 14.5 points and 5.8 assists.
Howard Beck of Bleacher Report noted that the Nets are planning to trade the 29-year-old superstar and build the team around Brook Lopez and Joe Johnson, while also keeping Pierce and Garnett for another run next season.
"This team has little upside unless Williams somehow rediscovers the swagger that made him a star in Utah," Beck wrote. "There is an alternative, sources say, the Nets will not rule out: They could look to trade Williams this summer, retool around Johnson and Lopez, squeeze one more run out of Pierce and Garnett and hope for the best."
Beck mentioned the Houston Rockets as one possible destination since the team made a strong push to acquire the nine-year veteran earlier in the season.
And if the Rockets and the Nets engage in discussions, it will likely involve Jeremy Lin and Omer Asik, who were both shopped by the Rockets since the start of the season until before the trade deadline.
Several teams are expected to express interest in acquiring Williams, but analysts believe that the Nets will have a hard time getting what they want in return, considering Williams' expensive contract and recent ankle issues.
"A Williams deal could be complicated, though. He is set to make $63 million over the next three years, and, though he still sometimes shows flashes of his previous All-Star form, any potential trading partner would likely worry about his ankle issues," James Herbert of CBS Sports wrote.
© 2017 Jobs & Hire All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
