Nets Interested in Trail Blazers' J.J. Hickson

*Note: Stefan Bondy tweeted later that the Nets actually are not interested in J.J. Hickson

The Brooklyn Nets have been linked to various players in the last few weeks. Ben Gordon, Josh Smith and Paul Millsap are among those that were publicly known. As they continue to look at players that would help improve their frontcourt, particularly the power forward position, the Nets have now been reported to be interested in Portland Trail Blazers' J.J. Hickson.

Heard the Nets are interested in Portland's JJ Hickson, who can veto a trade. Hickson would lose his Bird Rights if dealt.
— Stefan Bondy (@NYDNInterNets) February 15, 2013

Hickson, who is just 24, is enjoying an excellent season. Hickson has been pretty durable, missing only one game this season and just a total of 15 in his last three seasons. He is averaging 12.7 points on 56.6% shooting to go with 10.6 rebounds in about 29 minutes of play. His offense would be huge upgrade over the likes of Kris Humphries and Reggie Evans.

However, Hickson has the ability to veto any trade since he would lose his Bird Rights if dealt. A deal from the Portland Trail Blazers to the Brooklyn Nets would place him onto a better team and for the most part guarantee a playoff spot. On the flip side, with him becoming a free agent this off-season, no Bird Rights could hurt any leverage in free agency. Hickson will make just four million for this season, significantly less than other targets the Nets are looking at.

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