The Brooklyn Nets and the Atlanta Hawks pulled off a trade according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, with Brooklyn sending Allen Crabbe, the 17th pick in the 2019 NBA draft, and a lottery protected 2020 first round pick to Atlanta in exchange for forward Taurean Prince.
Brooklyn is trading Allen Crabbe and No. 17 pick in 2019 NBA Draft and protected first in 2020 to Atlanta for Taurean Prince and 2021 second-round pick, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 6, 2019
The Nets clear $18 million dollars in additional cap space, which will allow them to sign a max free agent this summer, and retain D’Angelo Russell who the Jazz have reportedly shown interest in in free agency.
Jazz, Wolves, Pacers, Magic expected to make run at D’Angelo Russell https://t.co/5eSI1vJWy3
— Kurt Helin (@basketballtalk) June 5, 2019
It’s rumored that Kyrie Irving has been heavily recruited by the Nets, and this trade today may open up their ability to sign Irving outright, while still pursuing another max player. If Irving is indeed the target, it makes little sense for the Nets to bring back Russell, as another ball in hand type point guard. In turn, the Nets may rescind their rights to Russell, making him an unrestricted free agent, making it easier for the Jazz to sign up should they choose to pursue him.
Additionally, Brooklyn has been linked to Tobias Harris, another rumored Jazz target. Regardless of what happens with either Russell or Irving, Harris would make a logical second star to sign this summer of the Nets are unable to sign another front court star like Kevin Durant.
