NEW YORK -- The Brooklyn Nets were busy on draft night, acquiring the rights to second-rounders Markel Brown, Xavier Thames and Cory Jefferson in separate transactions Thursday.
GM Billy King was only authorized to comment on Brown, but a source confirmed the acquisitions of Thames and Jefferson.
The Nets had $2 million to spend to acquire picks, and King said they spent “close to most” of it.
King was hopeful to land a first-round pick, but the price to obtain one proved to be too high.
“We could’ve gotten in the first [round], but we chose not to,” King said.
King considers Brown a combo guard who brings much-needed athleticism. He said the goal is for all three players to participate in the Summer League.
The Nets worked out both Thames and Jefferson this week prior to the draft.
Here’s ESPN’s Chad Ford on each player:
Brown (44th pick, 6-3 G, Oklahoma St.): Brown is an amazing athlete and can really defend, but he's a bit of a tweener, which is why he slid. The Nets wanted a four-year senior who can defend. Some teams thought he might be able to play some point.
Thames (59th pick, 6-4 G, San Diego St.): Thames is one of the better shooters in the draft and showed promise at San Diego State last season as a point guard. He's a nice get here if he can make a roster.
Jefferson (60th pick, 6-9 F, Baylor): Jefferson has a NBA body, is a good athlete and even showed the makings of a perimeter game this year. He lacks great basketball IQ, but he's a big body and could get minutes as a backup.
