The Nets rejected rookie contract extensions for three eligible players by Monday's 6 p.m. deadline, most notably the return of leading scorer Cam Thomas.
Injured center Dayron Sharpe and offseason pickup Giare Williams also qualified, but did not receive extensions, according to Post Beat writer Brian Lewis.
Thomas, 23, has attracted the most attention of the three, appearing in 66 games last season and averaging a team-high 22.5 points per game.
The third-year guard is scheduled to make $4.04 million this season.
A large contingent of Nets players attended the Liberty title game Sunday night, praising their WNBA sister team and the enthusiastic atmosphere at a packed Barclays Center.
“I was there, and it was great,” first-year coach Jordi Fernandez said. “I'm very proud of the team and the organization. It wasn't an easy game with some adversity and pressure, but you can feel it.
“But the definition of a team is for every player to do whatever it takes to win the game, and I was very happy to be a part of history and win a championship here in Brooklyn. It’s been great for the city, it’s been great for business, it’s been great for women’s sports.”
Liberty stars Sabrina Ionescu and Brianna Stewart made just 5 of 34 combined shot attempts, including 1 of 13 from 3-point range. However, they won the league by five points in overtime against the Minnesota Lynx, winning the league for the first time in team history.
Ben Simmons logged 51 minutes in three preseason games after undergoing season-ending hip surgery in March.
Fernandez was asked what “one could reasonably expect” from the three-time All-Star point guard, who has played in just 57 NBA games over the past three seasons.
“Exactly what I expected from him,” Fernandes said. “Come to work every day with positive energy, dedication and a desire to promote basketball.
“He's one of our floor generals, a true point guard, and he's done a great job. He's getting back to being the healthy Ben Simmons we all know. He's done a great job. I'm very happy with him.”
Fernandez said Trendon Watford has not yet returned to practice but “will probably be back at some point next week.” The fourth-year forward has been out since early October with a hamstring injury.
“He's doing a great job on his recovery. We'll get better updates, but we don't expect him to return to practice until early next week,” Fernandez said.
