Brooklyn Nets Favored to Sign Isaiah Thomas as Next Replacement Player; Lin, Cousins and Joe Johnson Other Top Options

• Positive COVID-19 tests, injuries and opt-outs have left the Brooklyn Nets missing the core of their roster
• Allowed to make replacement signings, Brooklyn have added four veterans and will likely be in the market for more
• There’s a prop on the next player to sign for the Nets with PG Isaiah Thomas leading the odds

The Brooklyn Nets are in an unenviable situation. Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving were already sidelined, and despite rumors of an Orlando return, it was confirmed weeks ago that they will remain out of action for the NBA’s restart.

When basketball finally resumes, the Nets’ roster will look drastically different. Spencer Dinwiddie, DeAndre Jordan, Wilson Chandler, Nic Claxton and Taurean Prince will not be there. Tyler Johnson, Justin Anderson, Jamal Crawford and Michael Beasley will be.

Expected to make further signings before tip off later this month, the table below shows the odds for the next player to sign with the Nets, featuring some players who have played considerable minutes this season and others who’s careers are more of a distant memory.

Odds on Next Player to Sign With Brooklyn Nets

Odds taken Jul. 13th

Clamor for Isaiah

Since the opportunity for teams to sign players was announced, Isaiah Thomas has been a name mentioned regularly. The former All-Star was traded by the Wizards to the Clippers in February, but he was ultimately waived by the Los Angeles club. He played 40 games this year, averaging over 19 points per 36 minutes and a 53.1 true scoring percentage, his best mark since he was an All-Star in 2016-17.

Thomas is apparently keen to get back on the court, regularly retweeting others calling for him to be signed. As he’s been unafraid to remind people, he’s one of the best players under six foot in recent NBA history, and his stint with the Wizards this season has proven how influential he can still be.

There’s caution to be exercised with Thomas for this prop. If Brooklyn wanted him, there seems little to no reason that he wouldn’t have already signed. The Nets can offer him minutes, and unless Thomas is waiting to sign for a contender, it looks an obvious fit. He’s also shown his support of Crawford getting a deal, and would surely love the chance to play on the same team.

NOBODY UNDER 6ft comes close. https://t.co/OLAtaqADcJ

— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) June 28, 2020

Crawford’s signing might suggest the Nets will be looking elsewhere, as the offense-first guard on the bench spot has been filled. Perhaps Brooklyn will be thinking of size next.

Nene Factor

DeMarcus Cousins hasn’t played an NBA game this season. He’s been recovering from an ACL injury and was waived by the Lakers. Reports came out recently that he will not be playing in Orlando. His tweet last week had some speculating he could be making a surprise comeback, but there’s nothing concrete as yet.

A return for Cousins would make more sense for a title contender rather than a Nets team that is very unlikely to make it out of the first round. If the Nets are to land a center, as the odds suggest, Nene is the name to look out for.

Another Boogie Bomb …

— DeMarcus Cousins (@boogiecousins) July 6, 2020

Like Cousins, Nene hasn’t played a minute this season, and like Thomas, he was traded and waived earlier in the year. Nearing his 38th birthday, the Brazilian is at the opposite end of his career to Jarrett Allen, but with Jordan not playing in Orlando, Brooklyn could do with some additional depth at the five.

Nene, who played 13 minutes per game for the Rockets last season, can provide that. He’s a good bet at +500.

Joe Johnson Option

Available after his Overseas Elite team was knocked out of the TBT, Joe Johnson is an interesting option here at +700. Johnson was on the Detroit Pistons’ roster for a month late in 2019 but didn’t take to the court – he hasn’t played an NBA game since May 2018.

Joe Johnson is gonna be hoopin until he’s 80 pic.twitter.com/qE7w4DmqeM

— Tony Clements (@TonyClementsTC) July 11, 2020

A seven-time All-Star, Iso Joe would be a popular pick if any team brings him into the bubble in Florida. He’s the 47th-highest point scorer in NBA history, ahead of John Stockton, Chris Paul and Isiah Thomas. Johnson has the pedigree, and the track record, that he could get hot and win a game or two for the Nets. He also would bring experience to a young roster – he’s played 120 playoff games in his career.

Johnson’s a good price to get picked up by the Nets, adding more depth on the wing and another scoring threat.

Wildcards

Given the state Brooklyn are in with their roster, who could blame them if they tried to lure Charles Barkley out of retirement? Who doesn’t want to see Barkley trash talking from the Nets’ bench? Or maybe Kendrick Perkins can swap hot takes for cheerleading?

These are unique NBA times. Anything is possible (though Jason Kidd handing in his assistant coach gig with the title-contending Lakers might be a step too far)…if you’re betting it, stick with IT and Iso Joe.