If the Nuggets’ reported offer of JaVale McGee and J.J. Hickson for Brook Lopez seemed weak on Denver’s end, it was.
Marc Stein of ESPN:
NBA trade rumble: ESPN sources say Brook Lopez offer from Denver that BKN rebuffed DID include first-round pick with JJ Hickson/JaVale McGee
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) February 2, 2015
Nuggets, I'm told, offered one of two picks recently scored from Cavs in Mozgov deal in addition to Hickson/McGee for Lopez. Nets declined
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) February 2, 2015
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In the Timofey Mozgov trade, Denver received Grizzlies and Thunder first-round picks. Memphis’ is protected 1-5 and 15-30 this year and next, 1-5 in 2017 and 2008 and unprotected in 2019. Oklahoma City’s is protected 1-18 this year, 1-15 in 2016 and 2017 and, if not conveyed by then, becomes 2018 and 2019 second rounders.
I’d consider the Grizzlies’ pick more valuable, but the Thunder’s will likely be conveyed sooner if Brooklyn still into instant gratification.
The Nets’ continued desire to trade Lopez suggests a readiness to rebuild, and they could definitely use draft picks. They’ve already traded their 2016 and 2018 first rounders, and teams can swap for their 2015 (Hawks) and 2017 (Celtics) first rounders.
There’s a reason Brooklyn rejected this offer, but with a first-round pick included, it’s a reasonable proposal by Denver. That gives both sides at least a chance of finding common ground – and clues the rest of the NBA in on the Nets’ asking price for Lopez.