The trade that will send Allen Crabbe‘s salary to the Hawks is the first step in the Nets‘ “dream scenario” of signing both Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant this summer, writes Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN. Woj cites “strong mutual interest” between Irving and the Nets, who will have $46MM in cap space once the trade becomes official in early July and can nearly put themselves in position to sign both players by renouncing D’Angelo Russell‘s cap hold.
The Knicks are also interested in an Irving-Durant pairing, but Irving now seems more intrigued about the possibility of playing in Brooklyn, Wojnarowski adds. He states that the Nets haven’t ruled out the idea of signing just one free agent and keeping Russell if Plan A doesn’t work out.
There’s more this morning on Irving and the Nets:
- Other teams with interest in signing Irving are now operating as though Brooklyn is the favorite to land him, according to Ian Begley of SNY.TV. An anonymous GM told Begley it’s unlikely that a team would give up two first-round picks without a solid reason to expect that it was signing at least one top-level free agent. “(Brooklyn GM) Sean (Marks) is going for it. The Nets are all in,” the GM said after the trade was announced. Brooklyn is sending the 17th pick in this year’s draft plus a lottery-protected first-rounder in 2020 to Atlanta. Sources tell Begley that the chances of Irving returning to Boston are now “low.” Those close to the All-Star point guard continue to insist that he hasn’t ruled out any potential destination.
- The upcoming fight for free agents has finally ignited the Knicks-Nets rivalry, notes Mike Vorkunov of The Atheltic. Both will be in position to offer two max salaries, and the consequences if either team doesn’t hit the jackpot could be felt for years. It’s also more than a two-team race, as the Clippers can also open up a second max slot, the Lakers still have LeBron James to offer and the Mavericks have a promising core built around Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis.
- ESPN’s Zach Lowe explains the protections on the 2020 first-round pick the Nets are sending to the Hawks in the Crabbe deal (Twitter link). It will remain lottery protected for three years, then will convert to a pair of second-rounders.
Gutsy move by Sean Marks. I’ve been very impressed with what he’s done in Brooklyn since taking over as GM.
Been very impressive, especially considering what he’s had to work with (very little)
How would you rate Marks as a GM?
Top 10? Top 5? Top 3???
Honestly I think I’d put him top 3 in the league right now, which is pretty crazy.
I wouldn’t call unloading Crabbe’s contract a gusty move as opposed to a much needed move…
But the two r1s, after not having any for so long!
No Zion, Kyrie or KD for the Knicks. Of course.
How are the Nets able to send 1st round picks in consecutive years? There’s obviously a loophole I don’t know…
I believe it’s because they have additional picks in those years (or something related to this trade technically occurring after this year’s draft).
Ah, that would make sense. That would mean instead of not being able to trade ones in consecutive years, you HAVE to have a one at least every other year. Thank you!
Because the deal is going to be finalized after the start of next season (Atlanta right now doesn’t have space in salary cap to absorb Crabbe’s salary so they have to wait). So, technically it won’t be this years pick that is being traded, but the player Nets will select for Atlanta with that pick.
“Lakers still have LeBron to offer”. Playing with LeBron isn’t a real selling point for most super stars.
yo brooklyn… bwahjhabwa!!
kyrie = locker room poison
If Russell gets stiffed by Brooklyn, how would he feel about the Lakers again? It would be a good comeback for him. Maybe he could get Pelinka fired as a condition to sign!