By FRED KERBER
Last updated: 1:20 pm
July 22, 2008
Posted: 3:49 am
July 22, 2008
The Keyon Dooling deal is done.
Bostjan Nachbar is done, period - he's leaving the Nets for Russia.
As expected, the Nets and Magic yesterday finalized the deal to bring Dooling to New Jersey for a $3.3 million trade exception and cash.
Dooling, 28, will serve as a combo guard, backing up both the point and shooting-guard positions. A career 6.8 scorer, Dooling averaged 8.1 points with Orlando last season.
The deal was agreed upon last week and finalized yesterday through a conference call with the league. Dooling is to take his physical today.
"Keyon brings versatility, experience and defense," said Net president Rod Thorn. "That he plays both guard positions is a plus and strengthens our depth."
Meanwhile, Nachbar, the unrestricted free agent, accepted what he called a "once in a lifetime" offer to play for Dynamo Moscow.
Given the status of the Euro and the lack of taxes on pro contracts, Nachbar estimated his three-year, $14.3 million deal is closer to $30 million over the three years. Nachbar has out clauses after the second and third years.
"Who knows? I could be back," Nachbar, 28, said. "I'll still be young. But this was an offer I couldn't turn down."
On the other free-agent front for the Nets, Nenad Krstic also has received enticing European offers but has expressed his preference to remain in the NBA.
"I would not be doing my job if we did not explore Europe as an option," said agent Marc Cornstein, who represents both Krstic and Nachbar.
"We are still going through the process, weighing offers from various teams - Nets included."
