Nets In Talks For Preseason Games At The Prudential Center

Could Rumored Nets Games At Prudential Center Be A Sign Of Things To Come?

Nets officials have begun negotiations with Devils Owner Jeff Vanderbeek to host three NBA preseason games at the Prudential Center next season, according to sources cited by Dave D'Alessandro of the Newark STAR-LEDGER. Nets Sports & Entertainment President & CEO Brett Yormark yesterday did not confirm nor deny the discussions, though he "strongly implied such an arrangement could be feasible for his team." Yormark: "We're exploring many different options, continue to regionalize the franchise. Preseason games afford us the opportunity to do this." D'Alessandro notes the conversations between Yormark and Vanderbeek reportedly "began at least one week ago, and whether this represents a sea change in the Nets' thinking about the viability of eventually moving to Newark -- should the Atlantic Yards project fall through -- is being discussed throughout the organization." The Nets' planned move to the Barclays Center in Brooklyn has been postponed several times, and one Nets official said, "With Brooklyn still up in the air, the question is whether they're warming to the idea of moving to Newark, even though it's clear that getting to Brooklyn is best for the long-term health of the franchise." The Nets have played at their current home -- now known as the Izod Center -- since '81 (Newark STAR-LEDGER, 1/13).