Saving Money: Nets deal Ilic, B-Rob

The Mile Ilic and Bernard Robinson errors, rather eras, are over.

The Nets found a team to take one guy who would have been on the end of the bench and another who would have been in the NBDL and gladly sent money with them to New Orleans for David Wesley today.

This was clearly a cost-cutting move - the Nets save more than $3 million in luxury tax - but it also provides them with flexibility. Our guess is they waive Wesley, bringing their roster to 13 and then they see if they like any available players out there.

No matter, this was a good move for the Nets. Neither guy was going to play.

Ilic came over from Serbia last year, was unhappy here, and eventually played in the NBDL.

He was a nice guy, funny guy. I did a story about him last year transitioning to a new country. But the big man was never a part of Lawrence Frank's plans. Ilic was going to be sent to the NBDL the earliest date the Nets could ship him had he not been moved

Robinson is a terrific athlete, and guys like Mikki Moore talked him up last year and Frank this year. But I never spoke to the guy once because I never thought he would stick.

Here's a funny story about Robinson, who often was found napping in his locker before or after games last season.

One day, myself and another writer were trying to come up with notes to put in the paper and we told Cliff Robinson we were looking for notes. About a minute later, we noticed Robinson sleeping and told Cliff. Robinson said, "There's your note," and started laughing.

We'll update later with some reaction.

***

The Nets made a couple of other expected transactions on Monday as they picked up the third-year options on Marcus Williams ($1.26 million) and Josh Boone ($1.21 million).

The obligatory Rod Thorn statement read: "Both Marcus and Josh have consistently improved since joining our team. We look forward to their continued contributions to the Nets."

The Nets had until Halloween to do this. They also have until the opener to extend Nenad Krstic's contract. The Nets likely will elect to wait.

Comments

[Jesus in Saddle River]

Very happy that the Nets made this move although I'm a little disappointed that Mile never really got to show us what he had. I wish him the best in his career. Does this mean, with the roster spots, that the Nets can sign Allan Houston? I think we still need a shooter. Thoughts? Also, I agree in the previous blog that the PA Guy at Nets games is horrible. Can we start a petition to get him replaced? Any Nets fans have any ideas to rid this person?

[Eric]

Is that Mile Ilic working at McDonald's?

[Greg]

I read you think we'll waive Wesley and
see what's out there. Any chance he sticks? Do we leave that roster
spot open or fill it soon? Hite possibly joining the team? Allan Houston comeback? I know it's
a long shot..and you know how I want Magloire or anyone else to start
over Collins, and I read your latest on Frank's comments about
Collins. BUT... Juwan Howard coming here and we deal Collins + fillers
for someone? What do you think? One wish has came true, why not another?

[Al Iannazzone]

Everyone seems to be happy about this move,Jesus, and it was impressive considering the Nets were HOPING to move one of them for a draft pick. They moved both - they included money - and now have room. That said, pick a name. Allan Houston is a good one, but I don't think the Nets are in a rush. They just under the luxury tax. Why go over it now? We'll see what happens.

[Al Iannazzone]

Thanks for joining us, Greg. To answer your first question, Wesley is out. Stefanski said he was being waived. (Wesley may retire). My guess is they will leave the roster spot open for the time being and see what's out there. Robert Hite is a legitimate name, but if you bring him back he's not going to play. So who cares? Houston should have just come to the Nets in the first place. Who knew this would happen, but he would have been here, known the system and the Nets would have known what he can do. I think Allan is not the immediate answer. He puts them over the tax right now so they'll wait. As for the starters, it probably will be Collins on Wednesday, but there may be a change eventually. I don't see Juwan Howard coming here. I've heard Cleveland, the Celtics and Mavericks. It will be hard to find takers for Collins, unless the Nets send the $12.3 million he's making for this and next season - not happening.

[Al Iannazzone]

And yes, Eric, that is Mile working at McDonalds, as part of the Paint the Town Red event a few weeks back, I believe.

[Ed Tristram]

we...need...a...better...PA...man.
I hear Sussman is a major nets executive, so us fans may have to complain loud and long to get him off the mike. I liked the old guy who used to yell JASONKIDD!!!

[Barry From Brooklyn]

I liked the old guy who used to yell JASONKIDD!!! too. And now that
TooMuchRodBenson is unemployed can we hire him back to take over Gary's blog. Don't waste the spot on someone who can't contribute. Juwan Howard would be a perfect fit if you can get him. He's HUNGRY to play on a good team, he's someone who can contribute right away, With his skills he would be the best big on the nets right now!! And he's a good citizen. Why can't he come here? Will he cost too much?

[danxp]

hey how bout hassan adams? wasn't he waived from cleveland?

[kaharada]

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