Brooklyn Nets looking to trade for a rim protector

The Brooklyn Nets made one of the biggest blockbuster trades in NBA history. They added James Harden to an already impressive core of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, putting together arguably the greatest offensive lineup of all time.

Then again, as you may know by now, a player like Harden won’t come easy. Brooklyn had to part ways with a lot of their depth, including their two best defenders in Taurean Prince and Jarett Allen.

The Nets have struggled to get some stops since then and, even though they have enough talent to outscore every single team in the world any given night, you’re not going to win an NBA Championship unless you play some defense.

Brooklyn Nets Looking To Trade For JaVale McGee

That’s why, according to Sam Amico of FiveThirtyEight, the Nets are looking to trade for veteran big man JaVale McGee, who’s kind of fallen out of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ rotation lately:

“Nets and Cavs meeting for second time tonight, and sources tell@FortyEightMinsto expect Nets to make a run at acquiring Cavs backup center JaVale McGee soon. Brooklyn has 2 available roster spots and looking for another veteran presence in the middle,“ Amico reported.

Adding McGee would make a lot of sense for everybody involved. The Nets would likely have to part ways with a second-round pick to help Cleveland with their rebuild. They would add a rim runner and rim protector with championship experience, and the Cavaliers would get rid of one of their 3 centers.

The Nets still have two roster spots and could try and add another wing defender via free agency, although there aren’t that many choices in the market right now. What’s clear is that they’ll need to improve in the defensive end if they want to have a shot at the Lakers, Clippers, or any other contender in a seven-game series.