Report: Thunder, Nets still talking Lopez trade, Hornets out of 3-team deal
The reported three-team deal involving the Brooklyn Nets, Oklahoma City Thunder and Charlotte Hornets has fallen apart, according to multiple reports.
Brooklyn's unwillingness to take on struggling Hornets guard Lance Stephenson has been the obstacle in the talks, according to Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski. He said Brooklyn is now focused on dealing directly with the Thunder for a trade involving Nets center Brook Lopez.
ESPN's Chris Brousarrd reports Thunder big man Kendrick Perkins would be involved in the deal.
Talks have stalled, if not completely broken off, in the originally reported three-way deal which would have apparently seen Lopez land in Oklahoma City with Stephenson winding up in Brooklyn.
Broussard, who reported Thursday about trade discussions involving these three teams, mentioned earlier Friday that the Nets were the ones holding up the deal in an effort to try to change some of the players exchanging hands.
The reported three-way deal was set to see plenty of big-name players switch jerseys:
| TEAM | SENDS | RECEIVES |
|---|---|---|
| Thunder | Jeremy Lamb, Kendrick Perkins | Brook Lopez |
| Nets | Jarrett Jack, Brook Lopez | Lance Stephenson, Kendrick Perkins |
| Hornets | Lance Stephenson | Jeremy Lamb, Jarrett Jack |
A lot of names and money would've been changing hands for three teams all facing their own sets of challenges.
Injuries to superstars Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook have slowed the Thunder, who are 18-20 and tied for 10th place in the Western Conference coming off four consecutive Northwest Division titles.
Oklahoma City has already pulled off one three-way trade this season, as the team acquired enigmatic guard Dion Waiters from the Cleveland Cavaliers as part of a deal that also involved the New York Knicks.
Brooklyn, meanwhile, has struggled mightily a year after advancing to the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs. Lopez, who earns $15.7 million this season with a player option for $16.7 million in 2015-16, lost his starting job to Mason Plumlee after returning from a back injury in December.
The Nets (16-23) are holding onto the No. 8 seed, however, in the weak East.
Charlotte is right behind Brooklyn, sitting tied for ninth and has played better basketball without Stephenson in the lineup. The Hornets (15-25) went 9-5 over a recent 14-game stretch Stephenson was absent for due to a pelvic sprain.
Stephenson, owed $9 million this season and another $9 million for 2015-16, has a $9.4-million team option in 2016-17.