<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (NetsDaily)</div><div class='quotemain'>The Nets have said all along they want to keep DeSagana Diop and they can offer him more than any other team over the cap. But Diop has said he’ll seriously consider returning to Dallas and the Mavs may be willing to part with their full MLE to get him. Now, there’s word the Heat may join in the bidding, which starts Tuesday. The Nets have four seven-footers and five others at 6′-10″ on the roster.</div> Heat can start talking to free agents Tuesday - Chris Perkins - Palm Beach Post Riley sees options in free agency - Barry Jackson - Miami Herald Deep Breaths - - Mavs Moneyball At this point, I really don't think we're even in the bidding any more. We have so many players 6'10+, we don't know what to do with them. Plus, Diop isn't all that great. A 20 mpg guy, at most...doesn't really deserve all that much money.
He's not someone the Nets should even remotely consider keeping at this point. He's a guy you want to shore up a defensively-challenged front line when you're in serious contention and have enough offensive talent at the other 4 spots to compensate for his considerable deficiencies on that end. The Nets are a long way from that. Playing time for all the young bigs is far more important next year than winning enough games to squeak into the the 8th playoff spot, and Lawrence Frank should not be given the option of playing a guy like Diop over the likes of Krstic, Boone, Yi, and Lopez, all of whom need ample court time this next year. I'm all for a bidding war, though, as it increases the likelihood that the Nets can get something back for him in a S & T.
I feel like Diop would be a much better fit with the nets this year, as we can surround him with offensive lineups. Pairing him next to Yi or Anderson with CDR off the bench makes his lack of offense easier to chew. Also would be nice having his D out there with Yi/Anderson against opposing PF's. That said, I don't think i would make a huge effort to bring him back. I just dont see him contributing enough to make that kind of money worth while. He doesnt makes us any more/less of a contender for that 6-8 playoff spot IMO. I'd be all for a sign and trade.
WE need players that play defense & he is one of them. You give that boy some minutes and he puts in work. Boone is overrated, I rather keep Diop and get rid of Boone. Kristic is not much of a defensive shot blocker so get rid of him too. BUt if we can sign him for cheap then keep him.
