If the Nets want to pursue Celtics restricted free agent power forward Glen “Big Baby” Davis, they may have to do so in a sign-and-trade scenario that involves a third team and helps the Nets alleviate their logjam of 15 guaranteed contracts.
Across the river, reports of an impending deal between the Knicks and restricted free agent guard Nate Robinson were squashed by team officials. Although a one-year deal worth between $5 and $6 million could eventually materialize, there is nothing imminent. Plus, team president Donnie Walsh hopes to meet with free agent point guard Jamaal Tinsley this week.
The Celtics’ proposed sign-and-trade to land free agent Marquis Daniels from the Pacers has run into complications and could lead to the need of a three-team deal. Enter the Nets, with their legitimate interest in Davis, who averaged 15.8 points and 6.0 rebounds during the playoffs last season. The Celtics have indicated they will match any reasonable offer for Davis.
“We have not made any offers to anybody,” Nets team president Rod Thorn said.
The Nets have made their inquiries and repeatedly have said they need to create a roster space before making a move. A report that surfaced yesterday about a sign-and-trade involving Davis and Nets forward Yi Jianlian was shot down by both sides about 30 seconds after it sought traction.
Maybe an inventive deal could be devised involving three teams. The Nets have a couple of trade exceptions from the Vince Carter deal that could come into play. The Celtics likely want a big man in return, the Pacers want a wing.
If the Knicks give Robinson a one-year contract, he would become an unrestricted free agent next summer. The Knicks saw another one of their point guard targets, Andre Miller, sign with Portland over the weekend, but that signing helps their attempts to retain David Lee because the Blazers were interested in the restricted free agent.