TITLE: Nets’ Salary-Dump Edge Shrinks as Trade Deadline Chatter Intensifies
SLUG: nets-salary-dump-edge-shrinks-trade-deadline-chatter
CONTENT:
Brooklyn, NY — With less than two weeks remaining before the Feb. 5 trade deadline, several front offices are positioning themselves for late-stage maneuvering, league sources told multiple outlets.
Nets No Longer Alone in Taking on Unwanted Contracts
The Brooklyn Nets remain the only franchise holding true cap space, leaving them able to absorb undesirable salaries in return for draft assets. However, an assistant general manager told The New York Post that over-the-cap clubs such as the Utah Jazz and Washington Wizards can accomplish similar “salary-dump” deals through large trade exceptions, potentially driving down Brooklyn’s asking price.
Brooklyn has historically been firm on its valuations, and it is unclear whether that stance will change if rivals agree to take contracts at lower cost.
Brooklyn Listening on Cam Thomas
The Nets are also fielding inquiries on guard Cam Thomas, but the third-year scorer holds veto power over any deal. One Eastern Conference executive told The Post that teams remain divided on whether Thomas consistently impacts winning, even while acknowledging his explosive offense. Whether a club is willing to commit mid-level or greater money to the 22-year-old remains uncertain.
Suns Back Off Domantas Sabonis
After earlier reports of interest, the Phoenix Suns are not currently pursuing Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis, according to Gerald Bourget of “Suns After Dark.” Sam Amick of The Athletic had previously linked Phoenix to the three-time All-Star.
Mavericks Open to Talks but Rebuffing Fire Sale
The Athletic’s Christian Clark reports the Dallas Mavericks are willing to discuss veteran pieces yet have no plans for a roster teardown. Multiple rival executives expect the club to retain Anthony Davis past the deadline rather than move the eight-time All-Star midseason.
Pacers Continue Center Search
The Indianapolis Star’s Dustin Dopirak detailed Indiana’s ongoing hunt for a long-term solution in the middle. The Pacers are evaluating several trade options as the deadline approaches.
League-Wide Names to Watch
In broader deadline coverage, Zach Harper of The Athletic categorized likely buyers and sellers, while colleague John Hollinger highlighted expected headline makers such as Jonathan Kuminga, Mike Conley, Ousmane Dieng, Jeremy Sochan, and CJ McCollum. NBC Sports’ Kurt Helin added that Nic Claxton could draw interest from the Golden State Warriors and that the Los Angeles Lakers are monitoring Kings guard Keon Ellis.
With multiple teams now able to facilitate salary-dump transactions and several marquee names in the rumor mill, executives anticipate an active market leading up to Feb. 5.
Source: Hoops Wire
