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Nets assign Markel Brown and Cory Jefferson to the D-League

By Reed Wallach
Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

The Nets announced Thursday morning that they have assigned rookies Markel Brown and Cory Jefferson to the D-League's Maine Red Claws.. Here is an excerpt from the press release.

The Brooklyn Nets have assigned Markel Brown and Cory Jefferson to the Maine Red Claws of the NBA Development League, pursuant to the flexible assignment rule, General Manager Billy King announced today. The flexible assignment rule was used because the Fort Wayne Mad Ants, the Nets’ D-League affiliate, had four players on assignment at the time the Nets initiated Brown and Jefferson’s assignments to the D-League.

There is no plan for when Brown and Jefferson will return. Brown in particular has seen little action this season. Most of the time, he hasn't even been active. Taken with the 44th pick in the draft, Brown has averaged 1.9 points in the seven games he played.

Jefferson has played more, even starting a game vs. Philadelphia and coming away with 11 points on 5-of-5 shooting.  He's averaging 3.7 points and 2.7 rebounds in 11 games. The Nets must decide by next Friday whether to keep Jefferson, who has a partially guaranteed ($75,000) contract.  All contracts become guaranteed Friday.

The move doesn't mean the Nets will have extra roster spots. The two will stay on the Nets roster --and salary cap.

Jefferson tweeted --and Brown retweeted-- a comment early yesterday afternoon, apparently aware of the assignment.

In the past, the Nets had a hybrid relationship with the Springfield Armor, permitting them to hire a full staff, of General Manager, head coach, assistant coach and trainer. The Armor ran the Nets offense and defense. Brooklyn's contract with the Armor ran out after last season and the Nets decided against going the expansion route with a new team in Brooklyn.  That option remains open for next season.

The Red Claws are the Celtics affiliate. Their best player is James Young, who Boston took with the Nets pick in June. They play at 1 p.m. Friday vs. the Westchester Knicks at the Westchester County Center in White Plains, NY.  All D-League games are carried live on the D-League's YouTube channel. Tomorrow's game can be found here or on MSG.

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