The Nets and Thunder discussed a three-way Brook Lopez trade involving the Hornets.
Brooklyn and Oklahoma City also discussed a two-team Lopez trade.
Neither went anywhere, but Reggie Jackson’s trade request could re-ignite talks.
Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports:
Sources: Brooklyn, OKC could have traction on Brook Lopez talks again -- if Nets believe they can convince Reggie Jackson to sign extension.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 19, 2015
Brooklyn, OKC are in serious talks on Brook Lopez deal for package including Reggie Jackson, league sources tell Yahoo. Story soon on site.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 19, 2015
Jackson can’t sign an extension. The deadline for extensions to rookie-scale contracts, Oct. 31, has passed.
He’ll be a restricted free agent this summer, so if the Nets trade for him, they can match any offer he receives. There is absolutely no chance Jackson could leave the Brooklyn before 2016 unless the Nets choose to let him leave.
There could be other hang-ups, though.
Jackson and Lopez don’t have close to matching salaries, and even if the Thunder included Kendrick Perkins’ expiring contract, the deal still wouldn’t work. Oklahoma City would have to send out an additional player, even one on a minimum contract. Neither Grant Jerrett nor Ish Smith are very valuable, but the Thunder have invested in Jerrett, and Smith would fill a larger role with Jackson gone.
Brooklyn would also want to assess Jackson’s market for this summer. If the Nets are for sale, they might be wary of adding too much salary.
But the ball with Jackson will be in his team’s court. This has nothing to do with his willingness to sign an extension.