Nets Rumors 2014: Brooklyn Still High on Paul Pierce’s List; Team Could Trade for Jack, Sign Deal With Bogdanovic

Nets Rumors 2014: Brooklyn Still High on Paul Pierce’s List; Team Could Trade for Jack, Sign Deal With Bogdanovic
Brooklyn Nets forward Paul Pierce (34) reacts with teammate Andray Blatche, right, after defeating the Toronto Raptors in Game 7 of the opening-round NBA basketball playoff series in Toronto, Sunday, May 4, 2014. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Nathan Denette)
Zachary Stieber
7/8/2014
Updated:
7/18/2015

The Brooklyn Nets are a team on many radars because of their play last year and their interesting use of players, among other aspects. The sudden departure of coach Jason Kidd and his actions that prompted the departure have also left many fans (and players themselves) wondering what’s next.

Let’s check out the latest rumors.

Paul Pierce

Pierce, an unrestricted free agent, has been linked to the Los Angeles Clippers but may stay with the Nets after all. A source told Marc Spears of Yahoo that Pierce “is still very high” on the Nets.

The source also said that Pierce wants to play at least two more seasons and is pleased with the way that his body is holding up.

Sources told Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated that pierce is seeking a two-year contract in the $18-$20 million range.

“Pierce, like most free agents, is waiting until the LeBron/Melo/Bosh dust settles to see if more cash frees up around the league,” he added.

Possible Trade With Cavs

The Nets may be looking to unload another player while acquiring Jarrett Jack from the Cavs to replace departed Shaun Livingston.

Yahoo reported over the weekend that the Nets want to trade Marcus Thornton for Jack, but a third team might need to be involved because the Cavs want to flip Thornton’s $8.5 million expiring contract to clear enough cap room to sign LeBron James if he chooses to go there.

A third team hasn’t been pegged yet.

Bojan Bogdanovic

Bogdanovic, who players in the Euroleague, may be coming to the Nets, who picked him in 2011 in the second round of the NBA draft.

The 25-year-old averaged 14.8 points last season and at 6'8” would be able to fill a strong backup role in place of Livingston and Thornton.

Bogdanovic is a wing player who can shoot the 3 well, reported the New York Post. The Nets would use their mini mid-level exception, which they had originally planned on using for Livingston.

ESPN later confirmed that the Nets and Bogdanovic are close to a three-year deal.