The NBA reportedly gave the Nets a break in regards to injured center Brook Lopez. Brooklyn can now use a $5.25 million Disabled Player Exception to sign a free agent to a one-year deal for the amount of the non-taxpayer mid-level exception ($5.15 million) plus $100,000, or trade for a player in the final year of his contract who is making no more than $5.25 million. Per ESPN:
Sources say the Nets naturally will explore their options in terms of actually using the DPE, but acquiring a player worth the full amount would trigger an extra $20 million in luxury tax. The Nets’ current financial obligation for the season, in terms of payroll and luxury tax, approaches $190 million.
Because the Nets already have the maximum 15 players on their roster, they would have to free up a roster spot should they want to use the DPE.
Lopez was lost for the season Dec. 20 in Philadelphia after fracturing the fifth metatarsal of his right foot.
