Brooklyn Nets granted $5.25 million player exception

After the season-ending injury to center Brook Lopez, the NBA has approved a $5.25 million disabled player exception for the Brooklyn Nets, a league source told Yahoo Sports.

For Brooklyn to use the full exception and pay the ensuring luxury-tax bill, it would cost the Nets approximately an additional $20 million on top of the $180 million-plus in roster salary and taxes they're already paying this season.

The Nets have until March 10 to use the exception through a free-agent signing or a trade.