Sean Marks has acquired a couple of important pieces for the Nets this offseason, landing Landry Shamet and Bruce Brown in a three-way trade between the Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Clippers and Detroit Pistons.
But while those acquisitions help, everyone is still wondering if the Nets general manager is going to find a way to bring Houston Rockets star James Harden to Brooklyn.
With the rumors flying around, some players see their names pop up as possible assets, which could lead to other issues down the road — which is why Marks is making a point to be open with his players about everything.
“Our culture’s important,” Marks said over Zoom with media on Friday. “Getting this group prepared in such a short time — I don’t know if it’s the ugly part of the business, the strange part, the awkward part, and I think it needs to be discussed. I’ve talked to several of our players about this. I’ve said, ‘Look, forget the rumors. Let’s just go out there and concentrate on what we have at hand — which is the group that’s here.’
“I wouldn’t be telling the truth if I said, ‘Nothing’s ever gonna happen.’ At the same time, they understand that this is a business. Let’s be prepared, and I sincerely mean it: I like this group that we have. The group’s been together for a while now and we continue to add some pieces to it. training camp is going to be competitive with the group we have. If things change, things change. But I think you have to have those honest conversations with players as things go and not just let those rumors simmer in the background.”
Sean Marks on how he addresses trade rumors with players:
"I wouldn't be telling the truth if I said nothings ever gonna happen" pic.twitter.com/Yp4SumqrDU
— SNY (@SNYtv) November 20, 2020