Brooklyn Nets trade rumors: Brook Lopez will not be traded this season
Jan 20, 2017; New Orleans, LA, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) shoots over New Orleans Pelicans forward Terrence Jones (9) during the second half of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Nets defeated the Pelicans 143-114. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Brooklyn Nets general manager Sean Marks does not want to trade Brook Lopez, but he will, if the price is right.

Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez is the team’s most tenured player, despite being the subject of continuous trade talks for the last five years. Even with Lopez’s name being floated around in numerous trade rumors, he has outlasted a revolving door of players and coaches, including notable names such as Vince Carter, Deron Williams, Kevin Garnett and Jason Kidd.

However, according to sources around the league, the Nets are once again listening to offers for the seven-foot big man, but this time, they have an enormous asking price of two first round draft picks for the former all-star.

This season, Lopez is averaging 20.3 points per game and has added a new weapon to his arsenal, the three ball. He is shooting a stellar 34 percent from three point land and has already knocked down 81 threes this season. This is a remarkable feat considering Lopez has only taken a total of 31 attempts throughout his first eight seasons.

However, even with his newly found shooting touch, Lopez is not worth the Nets asking price. His lack of athleticism and archaic back to the basket game makes Lopez ill-suited for many NBA rosters.

Although he has been excelling under new head coach, Kenny Atkinson’s fast-paced system, the majority of teams around the league are not interested in the Nets big man’s services. There are very few teams who do not have a solid option at center and those teams who are in the market for a center, do not have or are not willing to part with the assets necessary to acquire Lopez.

It’s obvious that the Brooklyn Nets General Manager, Sean Marks, knows this is the case, leading many to believe that he is not interested in trading Lopez at all, which is a smart move.

Brook Lopez is a part of the Nets future

Brook Lopez is currently ranked in the top five in points among all centers in the NBA, only behind DeMarcus Cousins, Anthony Davis, Karl-Anthony Towns and Marc Gasol. He is also in the top ten in blocks (1.6), assists (2.5), free throw percentage (84.3) and made field goal per game (7.2), when compared against the NBA’s elite centers.

The Nets are in possession of an NBA relic, an efficient seven footer who plays like an old school big man with his back to the basket. The Nets would be foolish to part with him without being properly compensated.

Although Lopez is no longer viewed as a top NBA center, it is not easy to replicate his production. He is their best player and asset, who provides invaluable leadership to the Nets young core. Therefore, trading Lopez without receiving a foundational piece in return, especially in rebuilding mode, would be a mistake.

The Brooklyn Nets front office has a huge task ahead of them as they continue their massive rebuild. With a record of 9-41, there are many more questions than answers for the Brooklyn-based franchise.

As the Nets front office looks towards the 2017-18 season, it seems likely that Brook Lopez will be a part of their plans.

That is, unless, a team is willing to part with a king’s ransom for the chance to compete against the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Golden State Warriors.

Sports, The Brooklyn Way. Writer, EliteSportsNY.com, Grind Now, Smile Later.