Talks between the Brooklyn Nets and Sacramento Kings have come to a halt after the Nets once again refused to include center Mason Plumlee in any trade package, according to a report from Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports.
A source told The Brooklyn Game over the weekend that the Nets would refuse to include Plumlee in any trade with the Kings, due to Brooklyn’s lack of depth at the center position and Plumlee’s recent emergence as a quality center, and that there was no deal imminent or even on the table.
The Kings originally inquired about Nets guard Deron Williams, who the Nets have put on the trade block with two seasons left on his max contract after not living up to expectations in the past few seasons. But it appears the team covets Plumlee more than Williams, and without his inclusion, there’s no discussion to be had.
Wojnarowski adds that the Nets don’t feel they need to attach a draft pick (of which they have few) or young player (ditto) to unload Williams’s contract:
The combination of Williams’ massive salary and declining health and production leave the Nets with little leverage to take back much more than spare parts for the one-time All-Star guard.
Nevertheless, the Nets have an interest in unloading Williams’ contract, but don’t believe they’d have to attach a good young player or a draft pick to a deal.
Williams returned to practice Wednesday after missing two games with a low-grade left calf strain.
Yahoo! Sports — Sources: Kings’ trade talks for Deron Williams hit roadblock
