NBA Trade Rumors: Brooklyn Nets lower asking price for Brook Lopez 2
Feb 15, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) gestures after a three point basket during the fourth quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Barclays Center. Milwaukee won 129-125. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

Brook Lopez has one foot out the door as the Brooklyn Nets lower their asking price.

According to ESPN’s Marc Stein, the Brooklyn Nets have reportedly lowered their asking price for starting center Brook Lopez. The team is now willing to consider a deal centered around a first- and second-round draft pick for the former All-Star.

The Nets can conduct significant trade discussions with the few remaining teams who are interested in Lopez’s services. Until now, Brooklyn Nets General Manager Sean Marks has stood firm on his demand of two first-round draft picks for Lopez. However, due to a recent flurry of trades that included Miles Plumlee, Serge Ibaka and most recently DeMarcus Cousins — arguably the NBA’s best big man — being moved for significantly less than the Nets asking price for Lopez, Marks has been forced to reconsider his stance.

Lopez, who is the longest-tenured player for the Nets, is no stranger to trade rumors but is now seemingly closer to being dealt than ever before. The Indiana Pacers are rumored to be the latest team to approach the Nets regarding Lopez, as they try to bolster their roster and provide Paul George with additional offensive help.

Peter Vecsey was the first to report the Pacers interest and suggested a package of Al Jefferson, Rodney Stuckey and their 2017 first-round pick for Lopez which should be considered by both teams. If the Pacers are serious about acquiring Lopez, you can expect them to put together a similar offer and add in a second-round pick to seal the deal.

Lopez is still one of the best centers in the NBA and is averaging 20.8 points and 5.2 rebounds this season for the 9-47 Nets. The addition of Lopez would provide any team with a solid presence in the paint and a big man who can stretch the floor with his new found three point shooting ability.

Expect the Nets front office to be sellers with the trade deadline fast approaching.

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