Long Island Nets trade for former Suns two-way Tariq Owens

The Long Island Nets have traded for the rights of Tariq Owens, according to Adam Zagoria of Forbes.

Owens, who played under a two-way contract for the Phoenix Suns last season, is a 6’10” 205-pound power forward with a reputation for defense. Owens appeared in only three games for the Suns under a two-way contract, averaging 1.3 points, 1.0 rebounds, and 0.3 steals per game.

Playing for the Northern Arizona Suns, Phoenix’s G League affiliate, Owens averaged 10.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.3 blocks in 24.3 minutes of play a game. His G League highlight reel is filled with examples of his defensive prowess... particularly how he uses his 7’4” wingspan...

The 6’10” power forward does not shoot the three ball often. He shot under 1.0 attempts from behind the arc hitting 30 percent of them, but is known for his defense, especially in the paint. In college, the Utica, N.Y. native played for Tennessee, St. John’s and Texas Tech. He’s 25 years old.

There are no further details on who —or what— Long Island gave up in the deal to acquire the rights to Owens.

The trade is another indication that the Nets plan on joining the proposed G League “bubble” in Georgia. Teams must decide whether to opt in to the “bubble” and pay a $500,000 fee to cover expenses. The Nets have also signed four Exhibit 10 players and have retained Jeremiah Martin as a two-way. (There’s been some reports that two of the Exhibit 10 players, Chris Chiozza and second round pick Reggie Perry, could wind up with two-way deals.)

Reportedly as many as eight G League teams will opt out, leaving the G League with around 20 teams including it “select” team, a group of high school players who decided to forego their college eligibility and join the G League’s Team Ignite based on Walnut Creek, California.