There could be one more center placed on the trade block in the coming weeks. It has already been rumored that Roy Hibbert is available for dealing along with Timofey Mozgov. Now, the Brooklyn Nets could be putting a big name on the market as Brook Lopez could be sent packing if the center cannot get healthy during the year.
Brook Lopez missed almost all of the 2013-14 season with a foot injury. The center underwent surgery and was reportedly healthy entering the year. However, Lopez was back in a suit on the sidelines for the season-opener after suffering a sprain in the same surgically-repaired foot which has the Nets questioning the future of their big man. According to John Zitzler of Basketball Insiders, the Nets are considering making Lopez available for trading at the mid-season deadline.
Lopez has a player option for next season before his contract expires. It is expected that Lopez will want a nice, long-term contract in his next deal and Brooklyn might not be willing to give it to him. The center's injury history is working against him and as Brooklyn aims to get their luxury tax issues they could opt to get rid of his contract now instead of running the risk that Lopez picks up the option. Zitzler notes that right now there seems to be a lack of available talent at the center position, making Lopez valuable regardless of his injury issues. Several teams are looking for big man help and the Nets could get active in a deal.
Mason Plumlee also hurts the future of Lopez. The second-year pro saw his stock sky rocket after a successful stint with Team USA. Plumlee looks to have a lot of potential in this league and the Nets could easily move on with the younger center and deal Lopez to save money. So who would take on Lopez in a mid-season deal?
The Cleveland Cavaliers could be a strong option to make a trade. The team has been actively looking at centers on the market but has not made any moves considering there is no one worth signing at the moment. As a result, the Cavaliers have been linked to several trades for players. USA Today Sports noted the Cavaliers called the Indiana Pacers about a deal for Hibbert. They have also been linked to Mozgov as the Denver Nuggets decide whether or not to retain the center. Lopez could easily be tossed into the mix.
Right now, the Cavaliers have Anderson Varejao for the next three years starting in 2015. However, they could be losing Tristan Thompson after the team did not get a contract extension inked before the deadline. He will be a free agent in 2015 and immediately becomes trade bait as a result.
