Even after signing E.J. Liddell to a two-way deal on Wednesday, the Nets still have one lingering open two-way slot to fill. C.J. Holmes of The New York Daily News takes a look at three contenders for the role.
Holmes notes that 6’11” former CBA forward Fanbo Zeng, who had reportedly was signed to a deal with Brooklyn this August, looks like a solid modern big man. He averaged 14.7 PPG, 4.6 RPG and 1.6 BPG while on the CBA’s Beijing Ducks. Zeng connected on 53% of his field goal attempts and 41% of his triple tries.
Undrafted former Alabama forward Grant Nelson underwhelmed while with the Nets’ Summer League squad, but his energetic play and diverse skill set on offense could give him an NBA-level ceiling.
Recently cut former Mavericks forward Olivier-Maxence Prosper, a former first-round draft pick in 2023, is the kind of developmental project Brooklyn could explore, too.
There’s more out of Brooklyn:
- More details have come to light on re-signed Nets center Day’Ron Sharpe‘s new contract, per Michael Scotto of HoopsHype (Twitter link). Per Scotto, Sharpe’s agreement is actually worth $12.5MM across two seasons, and includes a team option for 2026/27. The original reported deal was said to be worth $12MM.
- Since being traded away from Denver earlier this summer, new Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. has been on a veritable tour of podcasts and livestreams, spouting some controversial takes. Holmes writes that the 6’10” vet should consider curbing these conversations. Porter is making $79.4MM across the last two years of his deal, and Holmes opines that his continued appearances could hurt his impact as a positive veteran influence for Brooklyn’s young roster — which includes five rookies.
- In case you missed it, the Nets still have $16MM left in open cap space, which they could use in a variety of ways.
MPJ’s podcast tour has literally been the best news the nets have had since they got KD in 2019. I wanna watch the net specifically for Michael Porter Junior now.
Hear! Hear!