It's official. Fred Kerber reports the Nets will not renew Damion James rookie contract for next season and will not offer Brook Lopez an extension. As a result, James will become an unrestricted free agent in July while Lopez will become a restricted free agent, permitting the Nets to match any offer he may receive.
"I understand it I suppose from a business standpoint," Lopez said. "But yeah, I think it’s disappointing because I’d like to be here." Later, Lopez hinted that he would have liked to be informed of Nets' decision to not extend him. "It does include me," Lopez said of decision. "We’ve got first right of refusal,'' King said of Lopez. "I’m sure Arn (Tellem) and I will talk very quickly on July 1st.'' Tellem is Lopez's agent.
James is out for the remainder of the season while Lopez is expected back in a few weeks. NBA teams have until close of business Wednesday to make decisions on players on rookie contracts.
Four players from Lopez's 2008 draft class have received extensions: Derrick Rose, Russell Westbrook, Kevin Love, and Danilo Gallinari. Eric Gordon and Nicolas Batum were other possibilities as of Wednesday afternoon.
- Lopez, James won't have options picked up by Nets - Fred Kerber - New York Post Nets Blog