Adrian Wojnarowski reports that the Nets are following a two-track strategy as they try to finish free agency with (another) bang. While discussing a trade for Dwight Howard, they are simultaneously pursuing Ersan Ilyasova. While Ilyasova likes the Nets, acquiring him will be difficult.
Woj offers nothing new on the Howard trade talks which were reportedly renewed Monday night when Orlando GM Rob Hennigan called Billy King, but he provides new details on the status of the Ilyasova discussions.
Short of a deal for Howard, the Nets are searching for a third team to take their own free agent, Kris Humphries, as part of a sign-and-trade scenario with the Bucks. The third team would potentially be rewarded with future draft picks from the Nets for taking on Humphries. Milwaukee could end up with a trade exception for future use.
So far, however, the Bucks are resisting going along with anything that jeopardizes their ability to re-sign Ilyasova. Woj also said Brook Lopez "could command a five-year, $65 million-plus deal from the Nets, and perhaps as much as four years and $50 million on the market as a restricted free agent." He said the two sides have yet to engage in "serious" discussions pending the outcome of Dwight Howard talks.
- Nets target Ersan Ilyasova as backup plan if they can't land Dwight Howard - Adrian Wojnarowski - Yahoo! Sports
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No Ilyasova decision yet; Bucks offer reported - Charles F. Gardner - Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel