Ryan Gaydos
Ryan Gaydos

3 Rants

Geoff Burke-US PRESSWIRE

The Brooklyn Nets have been in the market for some depth in the front court and have recently targeted free agent Andray Blatche. However, the Nets have made it clear that the team will not offer Blatche a guaranteed contract until the two sides can agree on a deal.

It was reported that head coach Avery Johnson was going to meet with Blatche in Houston to talk about the possibility of joining the team. The team is still set to meet with Blatche over the weekend to talk about a deal.

With 13 players under guaranteed contracts for the 2012-13 season it does not look likely that the Nets would be willing to add a 14th guaranteed contract to its budget. But the team is still very much committed to finding bench players behind franchise center Brook Lopez. Blatche would be a key free agent acquisition if a deal happens.

The problem with signing Blatche is his character and his desire to be in a backup role with possible contending team. Blatche does not know the backup role that well since he played almost every game when he was with the Washington Wizards before times got tough there. The Nets are hoping to get the 16.8 points per game Andray Blatche rather than the 8.5 points per game Blatche that is filled with character issue.

The Nets will also have competition in signing him. The Minnesota Timberwolves have emerged as the other candidate to sign the free agent big man. A decision could come within the next week if the meeting between the Nets and Blatche goes well.

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