Report: Nets 'accelerating' trade discussions for Brook Lopez
The Brooklyn Nets are accelerating trade discussions for center Brook Lopez, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports.
Charlotte Hornets guard Lance Stephenson is one target the Nets are making a "second hard push for intel on," according to Wojnarowski. The Hornets have reportedly been exploring trade offers for Stephenson since last month. Stephenson, 24, is in his first season with the Hornets after signing a three-year, $27 million deal in the offseason.
Lopez, 26, is averaging 14.7 points and 6.4 rebounds in 28 games (19 starts) this season. The 7-footer has spent the entirety of his seven seasons with the Nets and has one year remaining on his contract. He is due to make $16.7 million next season before becoming a free agent in 2016.
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Behind Lopez, the Nets have Mason Plumlee, who is averaging 10.3 points and 7.0 rebounds in 22.7 minutes this season, his second in the NBA. The Nets drafted Plumlee with the 22nd pick in the 2013 draft and could be willing to give him more minutes if Lopez is moved.
Brooklyn entered Thursday 16-23, No. 8 in the Eastern Conference. Charlotte is 15-25 and tied for ninth in the East.
- Mike Fiammetta
