Nets Would Include Green or Hump, But Not Brooks In Johnson Deal

Chris Mannix tweets Sunday that if you have a heartbeat, the Nets are probably interested in you. That stands to reason. The Nets have the most open roster spots, the most cap space and the richest owner in the NBA. So it shouldn't be surprising to see them running up the phone bill at the PNY Center.

As the first day of free agency began turning into night, reports out of various news agencies indicated the Nets were in the mix (or out in some cases) for a number of free agents. Among the news:

--While the Nets and Hawks have talked, Marc Stein and Chad Ford report that a Joe Johnson trade was stuck because the Nets were refusing to include MarShon Brooks in the deal and the Nets feared they were giving up financial flexibility. The Nets hope to stay over the cap, get the MLE and use it on Mirza Teletovic. Moreover, the deal awaits word that Deron Williams has committed to the team. The Nets were willing to include either Gerald Green or Kris Humphries in the deal, however.

--Nets have expressed interest in Eric Gordon, particularly as a replacement star if Deron Williams goes to Dallas, Ric Bucher reports.

--Stefon Bondy reports the Nets are meeting with Steve Nash Sunday.

--Tim Bontemps and others report that in addition to O.J. Mayo, the Nets back-up plan for Joe Johnson includes Nick Young. They're in the mix along with New Orleans, Indiana, Boston for Young.

--Marc J. Spears listed the Nets among the teams expressing an interest in Brandon Bass.

--Fred Kerber reports that the Nets are no longer interested in Ersan Ilyasova that instead his suitors include Bucks, Cavs, Raptors, Spurs.

• Brooklyn Nets, Atlanta Hawks talk Joe Johnson trade, sources say - ESPN New York - Marc Stein & Chad Ford