The Nets and Bobcats have had discussions about a trade that would send Charlotte's Ben Gordon to Brooklyn for Kris Humphries, according to league sources.
The talks are ongoing, but sources said no trade is imminent.
A Gordon-for-Humphries trade works financially as both players make $12 million a year.
The Nets' interest in Gordon stems from their need for better ways to space the floor. Ranked 21st in the league in 3-point shooting, Brooklyn regularly has seen opponents clog the lane.
Gordon, averaging 13.1 points per game for Charlotte, is shooting 41.7 percent from beyond the arc and would open up things inside for the Nets. Brooklyn envisions Gordon as a third guard who would come off the bench and play a role similar to those played by J.R. Smith with the New York Knicks and Jason Terry with the Boston Celtics.
The move also would give the Nets the option of going small with Gerald Wallace, Joe Johnson, Deron Williams and Gordon joining Brook Lopez at the end of games.
The Nets view Humphries, averaging 6.0 points and 6.4 rebounds a game, as expendable because he and Reggie Evans are similar-styled players.
Charlotte is looking for frontcourt help and feels it has enough guards, with Kemba Walker, Ramon Sessions and Gerald Henderson, to survive losing its third-leading scorer.
The Bobcats previously have had interest in Humphries. They pursued him in free agency last summer, offering him a three-year deal worth $28 million.