NBA

Nets’ Lopez disappointed contract not extended

PHILADELPHIA — Brook Lopez would have preferred to be involved in any discussions that led to the Nets’ decision not to extend his contract.

“It does include me,” Lopez said with a shrug after the Nets made official yesterday what they had indicated for some time — they did not extend the fourth-season center while also not picking up the third year option on Damion James, moves intended to keep as much cap space as possible for a free agent run at Dwight Howard.

“I understand it I suppose from a business standpoint,” Lopez said before the Nets’ 97-90 overtime victory over the 76ers last night. “But yeah, I think it’s disappointing because I’d like to be here.”

Lopez and James are recovering from right foot surgery. Lopez broke his foot in preseason, James on Tuesday underwent surgery for the replacement of a screw inserted when he broke the foot last year. So injuries and cap space flexibility played a key role. Lopez will become a restricted free agent. James will be unrestricted.

“We’re not going to do anything with either one of them. The injuries played a part. That played a big part of it. And it was for the flexibility, too,” general manager Billy King said earlier in the day. “I just think at the time, the flexibility, the injury I’d rather look at doing it [Lopez] this summer. … We’ve got first right of refusal. I’m sure [agent] Arn [Tellem] and I will talk very quickly July 1.”

The moves are done, obviously, with Howard on the brain. The Nets figure to have roughly $23 million in cap space. If Howard becomes a free agent and the Nets are able to sign him they could then address Lopez. It is the sensible, logical way to approach it. Signing Lopez first makes no sense.

“I guess it’s their decision and they made it,” Lopez said, repeating it was a “disappointing” move. “I’ve had a good time here. Three good years. It’s unfortunate I hurt myself in the beginning of the season but things were definitely going in the right direction. I feel like they’re going to continue.”

As for James, who has played just 32 games since the start of last season and was due $1.329 million next season, King said he wanted to have options.

“As I told him, it’s not an indication we’re not going to bring you back, but it just allows me the flexibility,” King said. “I couldn’t in good conscience guarantee it at this point.”

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Coach Avery Johnson said the Nets may have to cut back on MarShon Brooks’ minutes because Brooks’ Achilles tendon problems concern him. Brooks sat a second straight game with a sore left Achilles.

“He tested his Achilles in shootaround this morning and he’s just not ready,” Johnson said. “So we’ll continue to treat him. Hopefully give him a little more time to recover and then see where he is for Friday’s game. The main thing is it could get worse, and the Achilles is one of those other areas besides hamstring that I really just don’t like.

“We’re hoping it’s not chronic. We just think part of it is probably fatigue,” Johnson said. “When he comes back that means we’re going to have to monitor his minutes a little bit. Maybe he’s not going to be able to play 38 minutes. Maybe it’s 28.

“Here’s a kid that you could count on somewhere between 15 and 22 points when he plays. And he adds another element, another ball handler to our starting unit.”

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The Nets improved to 6-13. The record of their previous five victims was a combined 21-65.

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Kris Humphries, who led Nets to 45-37 edge on boards, joked and noted Brooks’ absence.

“It means that when MarShon comes back, we’d better win. That’s motivation for him. He’s got to bring us to that next level.”

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Shawne Williams admits he practices halfcourt shots. But 50-footers like he hit at end of third quarter?

“I caught it and I saw nobody was in front of me and I saw there was enough time to keep dribbling and I took the opportunity,” Williams said.