The Denver Nuggets are pushing an offer of J.J. Hickson and JaVale McGee for Brook Lopez.

The Brooklyn Nets have been firm in their refusal to take the offer.

The Brooklyn Nets have launched an in-season evaluation on various aspects of the team, including the performance of Lionel Hollins as head coach.

Hollins is in the first season of a four-year deal worth more than $20 million.

Sources said Monday that the Nets, in hopes of sparking a change to their fortunes, will continue to pursue a shake-up trade or two before the Feb. 19 deadline. 

The Nets considered firing Jason Kidd last December when they started slowly.

The Brooklyn Nets have pursued trade scenarios involving Brook Lopez, but his preference is to remain with the franchise.

Lopez has a player option for the 15-16 season.

The Oklahoma City Thunder have been one of the teams purusing a trade for Lopez.

The Brooklyn Nets and Charlotte Hornets have restarted trade discussions that involve Joe Johnson, according to sources.

The Hornets and Nets are discussing a larger package that would likely include Lance Stephenson, Gerald Henderson and Marvin Williams.

Charlotte owner Michael Jordan has been intrigued with the possibility of Johnson, who has struggled recently with tendinitis.

Mirza Teletovic was taken to a local Los Angeles hospital after experiencing shortness of breath during last night's game versus the Los Angeles Clippers. 

Following a series of tests including a CT scan, Teletovic was diagnosed with bilateral pulmonary embolus (multiple blood clots in the lungs). He will remain hospitalized in Los Angeles to undergo further diagnostic testing and to begin treatment, which includes blood thinners being administered. Due to the nature of blood thinners, Teletovic will be unable to play for the remainder of the season. 

In 40 games this season, Teletovic posted averages of 8.5 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 22.3 minutes per game. Over 165 career games (11 starts), the third-year pro holds averages of 7.0 points, 3.4 rebounds and 0.8 assists in 16.9 minutes per game.

Giannis Antetokounmpo, Victor Oladipo and Mason Plumlee are three of the participants in the 2015 Slam Dunk Contest.

Another strong possibility is Zach LaVine, who has a 44-inch vertical.

The average NBA franchise valuation is now a record $1.1 billion.

There are now 11 NBA teams worth at least $1 billion, compared to three a year ago.

The Los Angeles Lakers lead the way at $2.6 billion, up 93% over last year. 

The value of the New York Knicks shot up 79% to $2.5 billion, ranking the team second overall.

Rounding out the top five are the Chicago Bulls ($2 billion), Boston Celtics ($1.7 billion) and Los Angeles Clippers ($1.6 billion).

6. Brooklyn Nets: $1.5 billion
7. Golden State Warriors: $1.3 billion
8. Houston Rockets: $1.25 billion
9. Miami Heat: $1.175 billion
10. Dallas Mavericks: $1.15 billion
11. San Antonio Spurs: $1 billion
12. Portland Trail Blazers: $940 million
13. Oklahoma City Thunder: $930 million
14. Toronto Raptors: $920 million
15. Cleveland Cavaliers: $915 million
16. Phoenix Suns: $910 million
17. Washington Wizards: $900 million
18. Orlando Magic: $875 million
19. Denver Nuggets: $855 million
20. Utah Jazz: $850 million
21. Indiana Pacers: $830 million
22. Atlanta Hawks: $825 million
23. Detroit Pistons: $810 million
24. Sacramento Kings: $800 million
25. Memphis Grizzlies: $750 million
26. Charlotte Hornets: $725 million
27. Philadelphia 76ers: $700 million
28. New Orleans Pelicans: $650 million
29. Minnesota Timberwolves: $625 million
30. Milwaukee Bucks: $600 million

Brook Lopez has a $16.7 million player option for the 15-16 season and most executives around the NBA expect him to exercise it.

Lopez figures to receive a lower annual amount in his next contract.

The Brooklyn Nets have held trade talks with the Oklahoma City Thunder on a trade centered upon Lopez.

The Oklahoma City Thunder were working towards a Brook Lopez trade this week before the Brooklyn Nets decided to keep him for now.

Kevin Durant was asked if he believes the Thunder need more post scoring.

"We put up a lot of points," said Durant. "That's what we do. No matter where it comes from, we score a lot. Adding a good player to your team always helps, but I like what have in here. We put up points. That's not our problem."

The Thunder would have traded away Kendrick Perkins as part of the deal for Lopez.

The Brooklyn Nets have ceased trade talks involving Brook Lopez.

The Nets had discussed both two-team and three-team trades with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

"Standing pat at this time," one Nets source told Yahoo Sports. "There was nothing we liked."

The Nets backed away from the idea of simply moving Lopez on a salary dump, without the ability to bring back value on his talent, league sources said.