The Brooklyn Nets need more bodies fast and the wise choice is to get defensive players. Head coach Steve Nash rued the lack of defensive effort although they have two slots to plug the void.
The name of JaVale McGee was mentioned recently, someone who made sense. The three-time NBA champion found himself displaced following the arrival of Jarret Allen, ironically someone from the Nets. But there are suggestions that the Nets are considering a deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers although it will be for another player – Kevin Love.
For a team that already has Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and James Harden, it makes little sense to add a fourth star to the mix. Further, it will take a lot to take in the former NBA Most Improved player who carries a $32.1 million paycheck.
I’ll just say the Nets probably are interested in Kevin Love.
But financially it’s very hard to make it work.
They can absorb McGee with their new extension instead if they really wanted to. — Evan Dammarell (@AmNotEvan) January 25, 2021
If the Nets do pursue the 32-year-old player, they would have to give up multiple assets once more. Among the names that could be dangled include DeAndre Jordan, Spencer Dinwiddie, Landry Shamet and either Bruce Brown or Nic Claxton.
Joe Harris could be a pawn to lower the financial gap. But the problem is that the Nets cannot trade hum until Mar. 3 because of the contract he signed in the offseason.
Regardless, it defeats the purpose of the Nets as far as filling up roster voids. They would be left with 10 players and end up with a worse situation if a trade for Love is made. Brooklyn would complicate its predicament and their chances of getting quality players to dwindle as well.
Going back to Nash’s concern about defense, Love hardly fits the need. He has not been known to be a defensive player. He can score and collar rebounds but is not a good rim protector.
Taking these two points into consideration, it makes little to no sense to add another superstar to the Nets especially if areas of improvement are not addressed.
McGee is a veteran and a proven rim protector. With four All-Stars in the mix, the former Los Angeles Laker makes more sense at this point.
But the Net is not limited to McGee if they are to address their defensive voice. Other names that they could look into include Nerlens Noel, Bismack Biyombo or Ed Davis. There are quality big men and defenders available in the market that Brooklyn can prioritize. Love is tempting but someone the Nets do not need right now.
