Michael Conroy/Associated Press

Nets Trade Rumors: Execs Think Dinwiddie, LeVert and Jarrett Allen Are Available

Adam Wells

As the Brooklyn Nets continue to wait for Kevin Durant's return next season, their roster could look far different in 2020-21. 

Per ESPN's Tim Bontemps, executives from other teams believe the Nets will make Spencer Dinwiddie, Caris LeVert and Jarrett Allen available in trade talks this summer. 

Kyrie Irving seemed to hint at the possibility of Brooklyn reshaping its roster with his comments after a 117-106 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Jan. 15.

"I'm going to continue to reiterate it. We're going to do the best with the guys that we have in our locker room now, and we'll worry about all the other stuff, in terms of moving pieces and everything else, as an organization down the line in the summer.

"Collectively, I feel like we have great pieces, but it's pretty glaring we need one more piece or two more pieces that will complement myself, [Durant], [DeAndre Jordan], [Garrett Temple], Spence [Dinwiddie], Caris [LeVert], and we'll see how that evolves."

Even though Irving cited Dinwiddie and LeVert as players the Nets need, those two are among Brooklyn's best trade chips to secure a good return. 

Dinwiddie is averaging a career-high 21.0 points per game and 6.6 assists per game. He's on a team-friendly contract with an $11.5 million salary next season and a $12.3 million player option in 2021-22.

LeVert has been prone to injuries throughout his career and has already missed 25 games this season, but the 25-year-old is a terrific offensive player when healthy. He's averaging a career-high 15.3 points per game and is shooting 37.6 percent from three-point range. 

Allen is in a difficult spot because Jordan has close relationships with Durant and Irving. The Nets are likely to prioritize keeping their two biggest stars happy, even though Allen has emerged as a starter and excellent defensive presence this season.

Even though Brooklyn was one of the biggest winners in free agency because it signed Durant and Irving, this season has been disappointing coming off a playoff appearance in 2018-19. 

Irving is once again dealing with a shoulder injury and has no timetable for his return. The six-time All-Star has already missed 33 games, including 26 straight from Nov. 16 through Jan. 10 with a shoulder impingement.

The Nets went into the All-Star break as the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference, but their 25-28 record is three games worse than where they were at this point last season. 

   

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