NBA

Report: Nets in trade talks for Cavaliers’ Jarrett Jack

With Shaun Livingston set to hit free agency next week, the Nets reportedly are looking at adding to their point guard depth.

The Nets are discussing sending Marcus Thornton to Cleveland in exchange for Jarrett Jack, according to an ESPN report.

The teams would have differing motivations in the deal. For the Nets, the move would not only give them additional cover at point guard if Livingston departs via free agency, Jack would give them an additional shot creator, as well as someone who could play next to either Deron Wililams or Livingston, if the Nets are able to re-sign him this summer.

For Cleveland, acquiring Thornton and his $8.5 million expiring contract would clear the final two years — only one of which is fully guaranteed — of Jack’s deal from their books, giving them even more salary cap flexibility next summer.

Livingston is coming off a terrific season for the Nets, in which he became a starter in January and formed a strong partnership with Williams. He will be an unrestricted free agent on July 1, and the Nets can only offer him their “mini” mid-level exception of three years and roughly $10 million because they are far over the luxury tax. There is a good chance Livingston will attract a richer offer in free agency after his breakout season, in which he averaged 8.3 points and 3.2 assists while often guarding the opposition’s best perimeter scorer.

Jack, 30, averaged 9.5 points and 4.1 assists for Cleveland this past season after signing with the Cavaliers last summer, and has played for six teams since he was drafted 22nd overall in 2005.

The Nets acquired Thornton at the trade deadline in February for Jason Terry and Reggie Evans, and he became instant offense down the stretch, averaging 12.3 points in 26 games.