Report: Nets and Thunder had trade talks involving Kendrick Perkins, Brook Lopez

[crownontherocks]

Report: Nets and Thunder had trade talks involving Kendrick Perkins, Brook Lopez

The Thunder netted Dion Waiters in the three-team trade that went down on Monday, but were evidently active in trade talks with other teams before this one was finalized.

Oklahoma City could have added Brook Lopez to the fold, while ridding itself of Kendrick Perkins in the process. But it was the Nets, following a recent stretch of winning six out of seven, who ultimately decided to pass.

From Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN New York:

Was told Nets + OKC recently talked involving Lopez, K. Perkins (expiring deal), P. Jones, L. Thomas but stood pat liking how they’ve played

Brook Lopez is averaging 20.7 ppg and 8.2 rebounds in last four games. Nets had won 6-of-7 before losing last two close games

And from NetsDaily:

A league source confirmed to NetsDaily that the two sides spoke but no “firm offers” were made.

Every team is engaging in constant discussions with others on ways to potentially improve the roster, so this shouldn’t come as much of a surprise.

But it does indicate that the Thunder were perhaps a little desperate to make something happen.

There’s a huge difference, obviously, between acquiring a starting big man that is capable of playing like an All-Star on the offensive end of the floor, and adding someone like Waiters — a two-guard who likes to shoot, when the Thunder are already fairly loaded at the guard position.

Those are two entirely different directions to go in ways to improve the team, and we’ll have to wait and see whether or not Waiters adds what the Thunder have been missing. But it’s clear the front office in Oklahoma City is feeling the pressure, and is doing everything possible to not miss the playoffs in one of Kevin Durant‘s final two seasons under contract before he’s able to make a free agent decision.

http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/01/06/report-nets-and-thunder-had-trade-talks-involving-kendrick-perkins-brook-lopez/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

[slamtheking]

surprised the Nets were reluctant to move Lopez but would understand it if they wanted more than what OKC was offering.  Lopez could use a top defender like Ibaka next to him to mask is defensive lapses.

if OKC still wants a frontcourt player, I'm all for making a deal for Wright that gets us a 1st rounder at some point.  if they're willing to wait, I'd gladly ship out more vets at the deadline to shore up their bench for expiring deals and picks.

[SHAQATTACK]

OKC took Waiters in anticipation of losing Jackson .  Stashing him away...Which is what will happen.....Jackson is going to get big money contract.

[SHAQATTACK]

Ha Perk for Lopez ......come on ...Lopez can still score .

[Kuberski33]

If the contract's work I would ship off one of our excess guy's for Perk.  That is assuming Danny actually wants to improve the team in the short term.  Perk would toughen us up and enable us to put 5 good defenders on the court at once. 

If we could spin off say Bass for Perk it probably puts us in the playoffs.

[Depalma2002]

What's interesting in this rumor and the subsequent trade for Waiters, OKC has put themselves over the luxury tax threshold.

In the past, they went so far as dealing James Harden to avoid the tax. Did they have a change of heart? Or are they now going to be looking to dump a little salary somewhere. Interesting to see what their mindset is.

If they still plan on getting back under the tax before the end of the season, perhaps Ainge can help them with that for a price. Not sure what they have for assets considering they dealt their first and protected it (tying up some future firsts).

If they did change their minds and are going to spend whatever they need to in order to compete before Durant hits free agency after next season, then perhaps people like me who felt that there was no chance they match a Reggie Jackson offer sheet need to change our stance on that.

[slamtheking]

If the contract's work I would ship off one of our excess guy's for Perk.  That is assuming Danny actually wants to improve the team in the short term.  Perk would toughen us up and enable us to put 5 good defenders on the court at once. 

If we could spin off say Bass for Perk it probably puts us in the playoffs.

Bass for Perk doesn't help us much except lessen the glut of PFs for another Center who happens to be toast now.  both are expiring. (not sure the $ matches for a deal though)

getting Perk will NOT put this mess of a roster in the playoffs.  if anything it'll assist in the effort to make the team (marginally) worse.

[CFAN38]

With Waiters now in OKC I could see a deal revisited with Perk and Lamb going to the Nets for Lopez. That deal cuts some major money off the books for the Nets while giving them a young SG who has shown promise.

OKC has little to lose other them chemistry with Robertson and Waiters they will have little use for Lamb at SG. The injury concerns for Lopez are lessened by the presence of Adams and Mcgary. Talk about a nightmare lineup to defend Westbrook, Waiters, Durant, Ibaka, and Lopez not to mention Jackson.

[slamtheking]

With Waiters now in OKC I could see a deal revisited with Perk and Lamb going to the Nets for Lopez. That deal cuts some major money off the books for the Nets while giving them a young SG who has shown promise.

OKC has little to lose other them chemistry with Robertson and Waiters they will have little use for Lamb at SG. The injury concerns for Lopez are lessened by the presence of Adams and Mcgary. Talk about a nightmare lineup to defend Westbrook, Waiters, Durant, Ibaka, and Lopez not to mention Jackson.

with that roster, I would think OKC would bring Waiters off the bench not Jackson. 

best defense of that lineup is to let Waiters chuck the ball as much as possible to shoot them out of the game.

[Kuberski33]

If the contract's work I would ship off one of our excess guy's for Perk.  That is assuming Danny actually wants to improve the team in the short term.  Perk would toughen us up and enable us to put 5 good defenders on the court at once. 

If we could spin off say Bass for Perk it probably puts us in the playoffs.

Bass for Perk doesn't help us much except lessen the glut of PFs for another Center who happens to be toast now.  both are expiring. (not sure the $ matches for a deal though)

getting Perk will NOT put this mess of a roster in the playoffs.  if anything it'll assist in the effort to make the team (marginally) worse.

Fully acknowledge that I may be the only poster on Celticsblog who still likes Perkins. My statement is based on the fact that we lack anything resembling a competent defender/rebounder at the 5 and Perk can still do both more effectively than anything we currently have.  Having him would mean a few extra stops in the 4Q and probably a couple of extra wins against weak teams in the East.  We also have no toughness.  He helps there too.  And his presence would help Sully so I think there's a net gain - though granted not a major one.

[CFAN38]

With Waiters now in OKC I could see a deal revisited with Perk and Lamb going to the Nets for Lopez. That deal cuts some major money off the books for the Nets while giving them a young SG who has shown promise.

OKC has little to lose other them chemistry with Robertson and Waiters they will have little use for Lamb at SG. The injury concerns for Lopez are lessened by the presence of Adams and Mcgary. Talk about a nightmare lineup to defend Westbrook, Waiters, Durant, Ibaka, and Lopez not to mention Jackson.

with that roster, I would think OKC would bring Waiters off the bench not Jackson. 

best defense of that lineup is to let Waiters chuck the ball as much as possible to shoot them out of the game.

I expect Robertson to start and Waiters to come off the bench. It should be interesting to see how this effects Jacksons minutes.

[slamtheking]

If the contract's work I would ship off one of our excess guy's for Perk.  That is assuming Danny actually wants to improve the team in the short term.  Perk would toughen us up and enable us to put 5 good defenders on the court at once. 

If we could spin off say Bass for Perk it probably puts us in the playoffs.

Bass for Perk doesn't help us much except lessen the glut of PFs for another Center who happens to be toast now.  both are expiring. (not sure the $ matches for a deal though)

getting Perk will NOT put this mess of a roster in the playoffs.  if anything it'll assist in the effort to make the team (marginally) worse.

Fully acknowledge that I may be the only poster on Celticsblog who still likes Perkins. My statement is based on the fact that we lack anything resembling a competent defender/rebounder at the 5 and Perk can still do both more effectively than anything we currently have.  Having him would mean a few extra stops in the 4Q and probably a couple of extra wins against weak teams in the East.  We also have no toughness.  He helps there too.  And his presence would help Sully so I think there's a net gain - though granted not a major one.

I love Perk but he's a shell of his former self.  TBH, I'd rather go with Zeller and Wright at center (while we still have Wright) and fill with KO/Sully as needed.  not ideal but I really don't think anything will be gained by bringing back Perk.