| The Nets are said to be targeting Thomas Robinson in a trade. (Getty Images) |
If someone has something you want, but you don't have what they want, you make a deal with someone else to get what they want.
David Aldridge of TNT and NBATV reports via Nets Daily that the Brooklyn Nets are aiming to acquire a pick with which to select forward Thomas Robinson of Kansas. The assumption is that the Nets would then flip Robinson to Orlando in their unicorn-chase-like pursuit of Dwight Howard.
The problem, of course, is that the Nets have absolutely nothing to trade for the No.2 pick. Via Nets Are Scorching, here's what the Nets have to offer:
Jordan Farmar ($4.25 million player option he has yet to pick up)
Brook Lopez (own his rights, have yet to tender qualifying offer)
Anthony Morrow (signed through 2012-13 for $4 million)
Johan Petro (signed through 2012-13 for $3.5 million)
MarShon Brooks (on second year of rookie contract)
Jordan Williams (on second year of rookie contract)
Rights to Bojan Bogdanovic (currently overseas)
The 57th overall pick in the 2012 draft
The Rockets’ first-round pick, lottery-protected until 2016 or 2017 second-round pick
Their own 2013 and 2014 first-round picks (they do not own their second-round picks in either year)
$3 million in cash to facilitate trades
Get excited, Charlotte/Washington/Cleveland!
The Nets are looking for any angle to try and acquire Howard, which is going to be difficult given the assets that they have. With their two best players outside of Deron Williams, Gerald Wallace and Brook Lopez unrestricted and restricted free agents respectively, they just don't have much to offer.
The Nets are being proactive, which is a good thing. And as Ken Berger notes, they're on the inside track for Deron Williams. Retain Williams, and Howard is a near lock, this year or next. They can make these calls, but in reality, their path towards contention begins with free agency and Deron Williams' decision.