Report: Nets, Thunder progressing on Lopez for Perkins, Lamb trade
The Oklahoma City Thunder and Brooklyn Nets are trying to work out a separate trade after their reported three-way deal with the Charlotte Hornets fell through.
Oklahoma City and Brooklyn are progressing on a deal that would see Nets center Brook Lopez wind up with the Thunder, reports Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports. Thunder center Kendrick Perkins and guard Jeremy Lamb would head to Brooklyn in the deal. More players would have to be included in order to matchup on salaries and make the deal possible.
The news comes shortly after multiple reports indicated the three-team deal the Thunder, Nets and Hornets were working on fell apart due to the Nets' unwillingness to acquire Charlotte guard Lance Stephenson. See the stack below for the full story.
Lopez, who comes with a $16.7-million player option for the 2015-16 season, would give the Thunder an offensive upgrade over Perkins and current starter Steven Adams.
The Nets big man isn't considered a strong defender, however, and has been limited in recent seasons with numerous leg injuries. He missed eight games earlier this season with a back injury and returned to find himself out of a starting job. In 13 games since, Lopez has averaged 12.8 points and 6.5 rebounds in 21.7 minutes.
Perkins and Lamb have both been used sparingly in Oklahoma City this season, making this proposed deal look like a salary dump for the Nets. Lamb will make a bit over $5 million over the next two seasons, while Perkins is on a $9.1-million expiring contract.
HEADLINES
- Gilgeous-Alexander helps Thunder improve to 7-0 with win over Magic
- Clippers rally from 26-point deficit vs. Spurs to win 1st game at Intuit Dome
- Curry returns in win over Wizards after 3-game absence
- Cunningham posts 3rd career triple-double in victory over Lakers
- Tatum's big 1st half leads Celtics to rout of Hawks