--F Bostjan Nachbar entered the off-season as an unrestricted free agent after averaged a career-best 9.8 points. And Nachbar really wanted to return to New Jersey. But he knew his time had run out when the Nets signed free agent forwards Eduardo Najera and Jarvis Hayes. There were other NBA offers, but Nachbar opted for what he called "a once in a lifetime deal": a three-year, $14.3 million deal to play with Dynamo Moscow in Russia.
"I couldn't turn it down," Nachbar said, explaining the money is virtually worth double because it's in Euros -- and with no contract taxes. "I always wanted to stay in the NBA and I wanted to stay with New Jersey. I have an option (opt out) after two years. Who knows? I may be back."
--G Marcus Williams also became expendable through off-season Nets moves, specifically the acquisition of Keyon Dooling in a sign-and-trade deal from Orlando. Williams once was considered the heir to Jason Kidd at point guard but never truly gained the confidence of the coaching staff. So he was traded to Golden State for presumably a future first round pick. If the pick is not used by 2013, the Nets get two second round picks.
"A part of me feels very bad things didn't work out the way that we both planned here in New Jersey," said coach Lawrence Frank, who explained the circumstances that hurt Williams -- little playing time behind Kidd, a broken foot last year. "Hopefully because of a different situation, there'll be more of an opportunity for him. Sometimes a change of venue is the best thing."
QUOTE TO NOTE: "It doesn't mean we're done at all. We've already made a bunch of transactions and we may make more before the summer is over." -- Nets president Rod Thorn, indicating an active off-season could become even more active for the Nets, who have eight new faces amid their 15 guaranteed contracts.
