NBA Trade Rumors: Three-Team Trade Talks are ‘Dead’
Although reports of a three-team trade involving the Oklahoma City Thunder, Brooklyn Nets and Charlotte Hornets heated up on Thursday, Rick Bonnell with the Charlotte Observer stated that the trade talks are "dead, at least for now."
According to the early rumors, the trade would have involved six players. The Thunder would receive Brook Lopez from the Nets. The Nets would acquire Lance Stephenson from the Hornets and Kendrick Perkins from the Thunder. The Hornets would get Jeremy Lamb and Grant Jerrett from OKC as well as Jarrett Jack from the Nets.
Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski first reported that the trade discussions between the teams have gotten serious Thursday afternoon. However, as the talks progressed, ESPN's Chris Broussard stated that the Nets were holding up the deal because they wanted to change some of the players involved. Wojnarowski added that sources said the Nets were hesitant about taking on Stephenson.
Although this deal fell through, the Nets reportedly want to move Lopez as soon as possible. Wojnarowski stated that the Nets have told other teams that they want a deal completed by the weekend. The Denver Nuggets and Miami Heat have reportedly expressed interest in trading for the big center.
Lopez has a player option worth $16.7 million for next season. He made $15.7 million this season. Lopez is averaging 14.6 points with 6.3 rebounds and 1.6 blocks in 26.3 minutes.
Stephenson has a guaranteed contract for the 2015-16 season and a team option for the following season. He averages 10.1 points with 6.6 rebounds and 4.7 assists in 32.2 minutes.
Even though the three-team trade discussions have simmered down, they can always heat up at any moment.
