Brook Lopez for Al Jefferson?

shrink · Post #1 » by **shrink** » Mon Dec 21, 2009 7:55 pm

Say NJN gave us an offer of:

Brook Lopez + Bobby Simmons (expiring) for Al Jefferson

Jefferson is a better player, still has upside, and young, but Lopez is close, a better fit and on a rookie deal. NJN may feel they can draw an elite free agent better with the proven Jefferson on the team.

If they approached us with that deal, would you take it?

Esohny · Post #2 » by **Esohny** » Mon Dec 21, 2009 8:01 pm

I would want a bit more from them, but I like Lopez a lot, so the basis of the deal is fine.

Post #3 » by **C.lupus** » Mon Dec 21, 2009 8:03 pm

Yeah, I think we are losing a bit in value but if push came to shove, I'd probably do it.

NewWolvesOrder · Post #4 » by **NewWolvesOrder** » Mon Dec 21, 2009 8:04 pm

Nets will not make us this offer, it will kill their capspace, maybe only if they have trouble signing a good FA, but I think they still will value Lopez over Al so Kahn will have to add something.

Krapinsky · Post #5 » by **Krapinsky** » Mon Dec 21, 2009 8:06 pm

I would take it in a heart beat. Lopez makes it so we don't need Aldrich, or to invest in another center. We would also save $8-$10 million or so a year for the next two years after this one to sign another player. Who doesn't take this deal?

Winter Wonder · Post #6 » by **Winter Wonder** » Mon Dec 21, 2009 8:06 pm

Hmm, comeback after a bit of a hiatus and this question is the first I read. Tough call, but the long and the short of it, I probably do it though I think MN deserves more incentive from NJ.

First, more cap room with simmons gone. Second, Lopez has far exceeded my expectations (like Love) and is a better fit as a true center with better defense. The offense would be less stagnant and move better with Jefferson being replaced, though, and this is big, MN would lose its main "go-to" player. Love should have an easier time on the floor though, defensively, with better help side out of Lopez and those two on the boards should actually be better than Love and Jefferson (hard to believe).

Additionally, I don't think Lopez needs a number of set plays for him to be effective, as Jefferson has had offenses designed around getting him the ball. And doesn't Lopez fit better with the running style we have looked at and are trying to run?

Now, don't get me wrong. I can easily see why we wouldn't do this. Lopez probably doesn't have as much upside as Jefferson. Jefferson is already more established and on a nice long term contract. Jefferson seems happy here and hasn't caused any waves about leaving. Lopez is much more unknown with all of those factors.

Still, I really like how Lopez would fit here. Lopez and Love seems a better tandem to me on BOTH sides of the floor. But, I think NJ still would have to add a little more to that deal.

Thanks for making me think too much upon returning Shrink. And here I thought the coaching was giving me enough headaches...

Sephiroth · Post #7 » by **Sephiroth** » Mon Dec 21, 2009 8:08 pm

Yes.

With the promising play of Kevin Love this season and Al Jefferson's mediocre showing - swapping for Brook Lopez's defensive abilities would be good for the team.

Lopez overall is not as good as Al Jefferson but defensively is much better imo.

I'd even do a Kevin Love for Brook Lopez swap too.

Either way, getting a true defensive center next to one of our 2 PF stars would be just what we need.

NewWolvesOrder · Post #8 » by **NewWolvesOrder** » Mon Dec 21, 2009 8:16 pm

Nets will not do this deal.

john2jer · Post #9 » by **john2jer** » Mon Dec 21, 2009 8:18 pm

Simmons is an expiring this year? Then I easily make that trade. Lopez is close enough to Al Jefferson that I'll gladly take the extra $9.5mil in cap space that it creates. Add that in with our space we already have and we're looking at enough for a max free agent and likely slightly more than MLE level of space. Meaning we can outbid anybody who's over the salary cap on MLE type guys.

Lopez's defense and size makes him more valuable for our team than Jefferson's post game. Especially if we add a top level wing from the draft and another in free agency.

Lopez blocks the shot.
Love gets the rebound and fires an outlet pass to Turner for the dunk, or kick out to Henry for the 3 ball.

ARRRROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

shrink · Post #10 » by **shrink** » Mon Dec 21, 2009 8:19 pm

I can see both sides saying no (Lopez is their fan favorite .. Al probably is for most casual fans here), and both sides saying yes. NJN's cap space doesn't help if no one goes there because they are too young and have too little talent -- despite the draw of NYC. I think with a little maneuvering, they could still have the cap space for one more elite FA max deal.

john2jer · Post #11 » by **john2jer** » Mon Dec 21, 2009 8:19 pm

And yeah, no chance the Netz do this.

PeeDee · Post #12 » by **PeeDee** » Mon Dec 21, 2009 8:21 pm

Ahem, Lopez is proven.

Krapinsky · Post #13 » by **Krapinsky** » Mon Dec 21, 2009 8:21 pm

I actually think Lopez and Jefferson are equal defensively right now, but Lopez has a lot more room to improve on that end.

shrink · Post #14 » by **shrink** » Mon Dec 21, 2009 8:26 pm

PeeDee wrote:Ahem, Lopez is proven.

OK, then let's say Al is "more proven."

I believe he's on Year #4 of 20-11 against NBA competition.

NewWolvesOrder · Post #15 » by **NewWolvesOrder** » Mon Dec 21, 2009 8:35 pm

Sometimes you should look past the stats and numbers.

deeney0 · Post #16 » by **deeney0** » Mon Dec 21, 2009 8:37 pm

Of course, but Nets don't do it.

cpfsf · Post #17 » by **cpfsf** » Mon Dec 21, 2009 8:39 pm

Nets would not do this.

Post #18 » by **C.lupus** » Mon Dec 21, 2009 8:43 pm

But would the Nets do this?

Post #19 » by **The J Rocka** » Mon Dec 21, 2009 8:44 pm

On the Nets board they say he's basically "untouchable" so this prolly won't happen.

NewWolvesOrder · Post #20 » by **NewWolvesOrder** » Mon Dec 21, 2009 9:02 pm

But we can always get that other Lopez from the Suns, and Jefferson could stay here.