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One of the more interesting aspects of Kenny Atkinson's press conference was his constant praise of Thaddeus Young, whom he referred to as "my guy". Young, who had a career year this past season, was considered one of the few potential trade assets for the Nets.
After Monday's press conference, that doesn't seem very likely.
Thaddeus Young says he has been told that the Nets won't trade him. GM Sean Marks says... https://t.co/WYCYwmcxQO pic.twitter.com/7XZIF04Nj4
— Ohm Youngmisuk (@NotoriousOHM) May 16, 2016
Thaddeus Young: "I've been told I'll be here, along with Brook." #Nets
— Andy Vasquez (@andy_vasquez) May 16, 2016
As a matter of fact, Atkinson and Young have seemingly developed a relationship already. When the Hawks were facing Boston in the first round of the playoffs, Thaddeus Young went with Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Sean Marks to meet their new coach.
Lol yes they text RT @dbearak: Hey @Mrs__Young30 can you confirm haha https://t.co/GCJJqzBtZQ
— Shekinah Young (@Mrs__Young30) May 16, 2016
Coming from Atlanta, one of Atkinson's best players was Paul Millsap, power forward for the Atlanta Hawks. He thinks Millsap might be a good model for Young.
Can Thaddeus Young be like what Paul Millsap is for the Atlanta Hawks in Kenny Atkinson's system for Nets? pic.twitter.com/ZDyIb2twXK
— Ohm Youngmisuk (@NotoriousOHM) May 16, 2016
Of course, nothing is ever set in stone... especially in the NBA. If something comes along and Marks has an offer he can't refuse, well, then you'll hear: "that's the business."
Young also said Marks has asked him to recruit free agents, but he smiled and declined to comment when asked for names.
“I definitely have” been tapped to recruit players, Young said. “I’m not at liberty to say who, but we definitely want top tier guys and we definitely want key guys, key aspects of what we need to win basketball games — which is a point guard and a wing.”
Before the season ended --and the Nets hired Marks and Atkinson-- Lopez and Marks said they had already started contacting free agents.
So, for a number of reasons, Marks seemed reluctant to give up on Young or Lopez. "I certainly not looking to trade them. What I said before is you have to be fluid. You never know what's going to come your way. I hope that they're part of this. They're both terrific people. They're both competitive people and I hope to maximize their talents."