Fans over at Nets daily and execs around the league seem to think so. This could be the best thing to happen to us all offseason.
Both Lopez and Thaddeus Young can opt out of their contracts going into this offseason. Lopez is scheduled to make 17 million next year, Young is scheduled to make 10 million if they decide not to opt out.
Of the two I think Brook Lopez is much more likely to opt out. I know there are advantages to waiting until next off-season to hit free agency. There will be more cap space and money to go around. However for Lopez there are some glaring disadvantages:
- His injury history can cause his value to plummet at any moment.
- His relationship with Lionel Hollins is shaky, he spent half of the season on the bench for the Nets.
- The Nets tried to trade him openly all season and that has soured Lopez on continuing his career with the Brooklyn.
- He's coming off of a really good second half of the season and has played himself into another max contract this offseason.
Lopez is the Nets best piece going forward, both on the court and attracting other free agents to Brooklyn. I know he's not a perfect player. But it would be huge for Boston and could mean big things for our 2016 first rounder from BKN if Lopez leaves this offseason.
It is something to keep your eye on. The best thing that could happen for Boston this offseason might not have anything to do with the players we sign or don't sign. Keep a close eye on what the Nets and Mavericks do in free agency.
Side note: Mirza Teletovic, who missed the second half of the season the blood clots in his lungs, will be an unrestricted free agent.