Brooklyn Nets 2021 free agency tracker: ‘Married to the luxury tax’

The Brooklyn Nets are going to be well over the salary cap, but management says they are “married to the luxury tax.”

The Brooklyn Nets have three superstars on massive contracts. As a result, they are almost always going to be a luxury-tax team with this current roster. In fact, general manager Sean Marks acknowledged this fact in an introductory press conference for their first-round picks, Day’Ron Sharpe and Cam Thomas.

Sean Marks: "We're married to the luxury tax." Credits #Nets owner Joe Tsai's willingness to spend to win. #NBA

— Brian Lewis (@NYPost_Lewis) August 2, 2021

So, who are the Nets going to bring in to fill in the gaps around their stars? Here is a running list of all the moves the Nets make during the NBA’s 2021 free agency:

Spencer Dinwiddie Close With Wizards

While the entire 2021 free-agent class is a bit lacking in star-power, the point guard group is stacked with talent. Spencer Dinwiddie is one of the big names swirling around free agent rumors. Despite Brooklyn’s claims about the luxury tax, it doesn’t sound like Dinwiddie is going to be back. So, the Nets might be willing to go into the luxury tax, but not that far into the luxury tax.

Spencer Dinwiddie is nearing an agreement with the Washington Wizards that will pay roughly $60 million over three years, per league sources. Talks are still ongoing in their Los Angeles meeting.

— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) August 3, 2021

Blake Griffin Isn’t Going Anywhere

As for Blake Griffin, the Nets are very interested in bringing back Blake Griffin. Marks expressed this much during a Monday morning press conference.

"I think we would love him back. That's certainly the plan, there's no secret about that"

– Sean Marks on Blake Griffin pic.twitter.com/wOKvq174jL

— Nets Videos (@SNYNets) August 2, 2021

Marks followed up that public statement by signing Griffin to a one-year deal. The former All-Star was an important piece for the Nets last season after he was acquired via a buyout.

Six-time All-Star F Blake Griffin has agreed on a one-year deal to stay with the Brooklyn Nets, his agent Sam Goldfeder of @excelbasketball tells ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 3, 2021

Mile High Jeff Green

Jeff Green is on his way west to join the Denver Nuggets. The journeyman swingman was crucial for the Nets as a small-ball center last season.

Free agent forward/center Jeff Green has agreed to a two-year, $10 million deal with the Denver Nuggets, his agent Jason Glushon of @GlushonSM tells ESPN. The deal includes a player option in the second year.

— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) August 2, 2021

Bruce Brown Signs Qualifying Offer

Bruce Brown was a key role player for the Nets in year one with the big three. His versatility on both ends of the court helped complement the superstars on the roster. Good news for the Nets — Brown is coming back after signing the qualifying offer.

Restricted FA Bruce Brown Jr., is signing the one-year qualifying offer of $4.7M to return to the Brooklyn Nets, his agent Ty Sullivan of @CAA_Basketball tells ESPN. Brown can become an unrestricted free agent next summer. He's played important role both as starter and off bench.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 3, 2021

James Johnson Signs

The Nets add another veteran to the mix in Brooklyn. This will be James Johnson’s 13th year in the NBA and the Nets will be his ninth team.

Free agent F James Johnson has agreed to a one-year deal with the Brooklyn Nets, his agent Mark Bartelstein of @PrioritySports tells ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 3, 2021

Patty Mills Down Under

Patty Mills is currently preparing to face off against Team USA in the semifinals of the Tokyo Olympics, but he still has time to choose his next team. Mills is signing with the Nets after spending the majority of his NBA career with the San Antonio Spurs.

Free agent G Patty Mills has agreed to a two-year, $12M deal with the Brooklyn Nets, his agent Steven Heumann of @CAA_Basketball tells ESPN. Deal includes a player option.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 3, 2021

Can’t get enough NBA coverage? Check out ESNY’s Knicks free agency tracker as well.