Brooklyn could take huge leap with Jimmy
Throughout the Nets’ rebuild, they’ve stuck to the mantra of “not skipping steps.” But trading for Jimmy Butler wouldn’t just be a step, it would be a giant leap from the cellar to the playoffs — and relevance. The Nets made Butler’s short list of teams he told Minnesota he preferred to be traded to, according to ESPN. But what would it cost to get him to Brooklyn? And are the Nets willing to pay that price, which could include both picks (like Denver’s firstrounder) and players (like Rondae Hollis-Jefferson or their stable of young guards)? Later in the day, ESPN reported the Clippers are his No. 1 choice. “We’ve maintained flexibility for a couple of years now. That’s going to be important moving ahead,” Nets general manager Sean Marks said.
“We can’t skip steps,” coach Kenny Atkinson added. “We keep improving, keep headed in the right direction.”
After averaging 22.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.9 assists, Butler is a quantum leap in the right direction. But he won’t come cheaply, likely commanding a slew of assets and a five-year, $190 million max extension. But for a 28-54 team in need of star power, Butler is a leap of faith worth taking.
With Butler and Kyrie Irving having talked about wanting to dominate the East together, Butler could turbocharge their rebuild. Projected to have $65 million of 2019 practical cap space, they can afford it — but they’d need to pull off a trade that works this season.
What kind of assets would it take? With Minnesota on a different timeline from Butler, having youthful Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins, it will likely require young assets and picks.
Caris LeVert draws consistent interest, but they’re more likely to move Hollis-Jefferson after he averaged career-highs of 13.9 points and 6.8 rebounds last season. Still 23 and making just $2.4 million on his rookie-scale deal next season, he’s a bargain.
The Nets also have Spencer Dinwiddie (a bargain $1.6 million expiring deal) and D’Angelo Russell, whom they’ve declined to extend and is expected to become a restricted free agent in 2019. Marks also has Denver’s top-12 protected 2019 first-round pick to include. And to balance the salaries, they could add the $15.4 million expiring deal of DeMarre Carroll, who averaged career-highs of 13.5 points and 6.6 boards last season.
➤ Mitch Creek, who’d hoped for a twoway deal from the Nets but saw it go to Theo Pinson, is “considering his options” according to the Sydney Morning Herald. Sportando reported that Brooklyn has an Exhibit 10 deal with Drew Gordon, older brother of Boston’s Aaron. He could compete with Nuni Omut, who The Post had reported is a candidate for the last camp spot.