Nets to Bring Back Hayes

From NetsDaily:

Buried in Fred Kerber’s article on the Nets draft prospects is word from Rod Thorn that the team expects to exercise its option on Jarvis Hayes. The Nets must exercise the option by June 30. Hayes, signed with the lower level exception last August, would make $2.06 million this season. He’s one of two Nets with an option this summer. Trenton Hassell has a $4.35 million player option that he’s almost certain to exercise.


This is a positive for New Jersey. Hayes provided solid production, consistency and veteran leadership in the revolving door known as the Nets' small forward position. He's an excellent role player, so don't expect him to make a huge difference on paper every night.

That being said, the team still needs an athletic forward. Hayes doesn't give much production at the 3 (8.7 pts, 3.6 reb), but with his energy, he should get the most playing time out of himself, Hassell and Bobby Simmons.

Ryan Anderson looks like the favorite to start at power forward, but he'd be better off the bench. He's an all-around offensive player; able to hit from long range and play in the post. His skills would be amplified and of more value if he came off the bench to matchup with back-ups, much like Nate Robinson in New York.

Yi has lost his confidence and is being shopped. I wouldn't want him on my team with that state of mind.

So the quest begins to find another young stud to go with the core of Brook Lopez, Devin Harris and Chris Douglas-Roberts. My Marvin Williams suggestion was met with praise, but seems unlikely as the Nets have a great chance at drafting a nice young player in the NBA Draft. Matt Soldano has them snatching Demar Derozan of USC in his Mock Draft 3.0.

Also, with the way he's playing in the playoffs, Upcoming Free Agent Trevor Ariza becomes even more desirable for New Jersey. But will he really decide to leave the NBA Champion Lakers? (Come on, you know they're winning.)

Via trade there's Amaré Stoudemire, who has gone out and about promoting a possible move away from Phoenix. However, according to Sports Illustrated, there is still a chance that Stoudemire stays put.

In an actual positive sign for the Suns, though, Stoudemire prefers to remain in Phoenix, has not asked for a trade and, in fact, would love to talk about an extension during a very uncertain offseason for the franchise.


Oh what to do, what to do...?

Well, of course there's always LeBron...

...keep dreaming.


By the way, how the hell did Trenton Hassell ever get a $4 million player option?


--Max Caster