NBA

NBA team execs: Newark not fit for King James

Believe it or not, the Nets offer much for free-agent-to-be LeBron James to consider.

* A deep-pocketed, win-at-whatever-cost owner, Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov.

* One of the best young centers in the East, arguably the second best in the conference, Brook Lopez.

* Three draft picks in the top 31, including a certain top-four pick that could be Kentucky’s John Wall at No. 1.

* Lots of cap space, $26 million worth.

* A roster featuring Terrence Williams, Devin Harris, Courtney Lee.

* An already in-place buddy among ownership’s hierarchy, Jay-Z.

So what’s not to like about the Nets?

“I think the fact they’re playing in Newark at least for two year kills them,” said one opposing executive who spoke on the condition of anonymity, because people get fined for publicly talking about such stuff.

“Took them right out of the hunt,” another team exec said of the quest for James. “If they had the Brooklyn arena ready to go, I really believe they’d be the favorites to get him — if he leaves. He could sweep into New York through Brooklyn and get the same benefits, have a better team in place than the Knicks.

“But I don’t think he’s playing in New Jersey for however long.”

VIDEO: ‘PLEASE STAY LEBRON’

Nevertheless, it is not like the Nets are in New Jersey forever.

So the Nets, who have positioned themselves with the second-most money to spend come July 1, probably hope James stays in Cleveland short term. Then the world can go through all this nonsense again.

The Nets will make their pitch, presenting James and his camp the pros of the Nets, who are aligned to make one of the great turnarounds in NBA history following a brutal 12-victory season. Given three incoming picks — a top-four plus Nos. 27 and 31 — a certified stud in Lopez, plus Prokhorov, Brooklyn (eventually) and other young talent, there are tremendous positives to attract James.

Regardless, the Nets will upgrade and probably chase the likes of Rudy Gay, David Lee, Carlos Boozer or Amar’e Stoudemire.

fred.kerber@nypost.com