Brook Lopez will miss the next three weeks due to a sprained ankle, but the Nets intend to still remain active in trade talks before the March 15th deadline.

Lopez has been the centerpiece of trade discussions with the Magic for Dwight Howard.

“I know the speculation is, ‘What do we do now?’ ’’ King said. “But we’ve got a good young center (in Lopez); we’ve got a great point guard (Deron Williams). There’s other things I’ll look to do.

“We have flexibility cap-wise,’’ King continued. “But at the end of the day, I want a healthy Brook Lopez and (don’t want to) worry about making trades at this point in regards of moving Brook Lopez. It’s about trying to add to this team.’’

King said he will “look at other things that I was already talking about doing with other teams’’ before the deadline.

“I had some things on the table that I’m exploring that will maybe create more cap space for us in the future — maybe bring some more players or some key pieces as we go forward,’’ he said.

If it is clear the Magic will keep Howard, the Nets may begin selling off assets that don't figure in their long-term plans.

Mehmet Okur, DeShawn Stevenson, Kris Humphries, Sundiata Gaines, Shelden Williams and Damion James are all on expiring deals.