The Brooklyn Nets Are Doomed, Can't Even Overpay Mediocre Free Agents

The Brooklyn Nets cannot acquire superstars. They signed Jeremy Lin, whose star shined most brightly uptown in 2012. The only time they were able to land real stars was when they mortgaged their future for past-their-expiration-date Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce in 2013. That resulted in their first and only playoff series victory since 2007. Unable to get a meeting with LeBron James or Kevin Durant, the Nets instead set their sights on the middle, offering a total of $125 million to Allen Crabbe and Tyler Johnson.

Over the weekend the Trail Blazers matched the 4-year, $75 million deal for Crabbe, who averaged a career-high 10.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 0.8 steals per game last season.

And the Heat matched the 4-year $50 million offer for Johnson, who averaged 8.7 points, 3 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 0.7 steals last season. Johnson was the Heat’s fifth guard last season.

These two players, both 24, were to be the Nets future. They did everything they could to get Miami and Portland, but even when they shot for the middle, they had their hopes destroyed. Via ESPN:

"Rebuilding Brooklyn put several stipulations in those deals — including poison-pill provisions, trade kickers and player options — in an attempt to deter Portland and Miami from matching, but they did so anyway."

Instead of having a possibly promising young backcourt, they’re left with Jeremy Lin and a 1st round pick… in 2019. They have no assets. No future. And nothing to show for it. It’s hard to find a team with a bleaker present or future than the Brooklyn Nets. There is no hope.