Bleacher Report recently came out with an article discussing several trades the Brooklyn Nets could potentially make this offseason to acquire a third star. While Spencer Dinwiddie has insisted that Brooklyn already has a 3rd star in Caris LeVert, I decided to come up with our own list of 3 all-star caliber players that would be elite 3rd options behind Kyrie and Durant.
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The 3 Options:
- Option # 1: The first person I think would be an excellent fit in Brooklyn would be Blake Griffin. Griffin can stretch the floor as a power forward as he has significantly improved his three-point shooting in the last several years. Griffin’s 2018 – 2019 season was incredible for the Pistons, averaging 24.5 points and 7.5 boards per game. Unfortunately, he has been riddled with injuries this season, and his statistics have dropped significantly, but I believe when healthy, Griffin can still play at an elite level. He has also played with Deandre Jordan before, and the duo showed they could mesh well with each other.
- Current deal: Griffin has two years left on a five year $171 million dollar contract
- Option #2: I don’t agree with Bleacher Report’s take that Buddy Hield could be a better or equal fit as LeVert. I also don’t think CJ McCollum would be a great fit here either since he, like LeVert, is a ball-dominant guard. Even if you’re able to keep LeVert, I don’t believe Hield or McCollum makes sense in this offense. Insert Bradley Beal. Beal would be a perfect 3rd complement to Durant and Irving since he can play off the ball better than most guards in the league. The Nets would be able to add a legitimate shooter to an already lethal offensive lineup. Beal can also defend the majority of 2 guards in the league. He would be able to take command of the offense if Irving and Durant are not on the floor. Beal is also just 26 years old.
- Current Deal: Beal has one year remaining on his five years $127 million dollar contract
- Option #3: This is my “risky” option, since LaVine hasn’t shown consistent success like the two players above, but he has been one of the lone bright spots for the Chicago Bulls in the last two years. LaVine, who has been banged up for the majority of the year, has averaged 25.5 points per game on 45% shooting in 60 games. He has been an elite defender at 6’6 and one of the most explosive young guards in the game. Shooting only 38% from 3 point range, LaVine would have to improve that number in order to play off the ball more efficiently, but at just 25 years old, he has a ton of room to improve his game.
- Current Deal: LaVine has two years remaining on his four years $80M dollar contract
I believe these three players would significantly increase the Nets’ chances of competing for a championship. We’ll see if Sean Marks is able to pull the trigger on any of these options come the off-season.
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