The 2019 free agency period doesn't begin until July 1, but the Brooklyn Nets continue to work to put themselves in a position to go after a potentially historic class of free agents.
According to a report from ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the Nets have agreed to a deal that will send six-year veteran guard Allen Crabbe along with the No. 17 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Taurean Prince as well as a protected 2020 first-round pick and a second-round pick in the 2021 NBA Draft.
Brooklyn is trading Allen Crabbe and No. 17 pick in 2019 NBA Draft and protected first in 2020 to Atlanta for Taurean Prince and 2021 second-round pick, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 6, 2019
According to Wojnarowski, the move will clear $18 million in additional salary cap space ahead of free agency period, giving the Nets $46 million in salary cap space that will allow them to sign a max free agent and retain restricted free agent D'Angelo Russell.
Crabbe, who appeared in 43 games in the 2018-19 regular season, averaged 9.6 points per game while shooting 37.8% from beyond the arc; he has one year remaining on a four-year $75 million contract signed in the offseason of 2016.
The Hawks now own the Nos. 8, 10 and 17 picks in the upcoming draft.
Prince, who was selected 12th overall in the 2016 NBA Draft, appeared in 55 games in the 2018-19 season, averaging 13.5 points while shooting 39.0% from 3-point range. He has one year remaining on his rookie-scale contract.
The 2019 NBA Draft takes place on Friday, June 22.