Report: 4 Serious Candidates Emerge In Nets' GM Search

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The Nets hope to put a new general manager in place before the NBA trade deadline on Feb. 18. It appears they are getting closer to doing so.

According to a report by Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski, Brooklyn has narrowed its field to four names, with Denver Nuggets assistant GM Arturas Karnisovas and Houston Rockets executive VP of basketball operations Gersson Rosas joining already known candidates Bryan Colangelo and Danny Ferry.

The formal interview process is set to begin in early February, Wojnarowski reported.

The Nets have been without a GM since owner Mikhail Prokhorov reorganized his front office back on Jan. 10. Billy King was reassigned, while head coach Lionel Hollins was fired and replaced on an interim basis by assistant Tony Brown.

MORE: Lichtenstein: Nets' Ability To Judge Talent To Fill GM Is Questionable

Brooklyn (12-33) has lost six of eight since, but is coming off its most impressive effort of the season. Brook Lopez scored 31 points in the Nets' 116-106 win over Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday.

Wojnarowski reported that Nets had other names on their list for the GM opening, but have become impressed with both Karnisovas and Rosas due to their understanding of the global game.

Colangelo, who enjoyed past success with the Phoenix Suns and Toronto Raptors, has twice been named NBA Executive of the Year, while Ferry made his name as an executive with the Atlanta Hawks and Cleveland Cavaliers.