Upon delivering a massive Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving deals in 2022-23 mid-season, the Brooklyn Nets didn't create an even more gigantic splash last summer.
But the minimal trades they made starring Joe Harris and Patty Mills went on to become favorable at their end in terms of securing the long-term service of Cam Johnson, who made his mark as one of the team's centerpieces as they moved forward.
Impressive moves
In a recent report published by Bleacher Report, the Nets obtained a B+ grade from their two off-season moves ahead of the 2023-24 campaign.
The article cites that the Nets have splendidly orchestrated impressive trades by dumping both Joe Harris (to the Detroit Pistons) and Patty Mills (to the Houston Rockets) to secure ample cap space to be able to re-sign Cam Johnson. The transaction also permitted them to acquire plenty of future second-round picks, which can be used for later purposes.
Johnson, who inked a four-year deal worth $94.5M, has maintained his reliable wing role for the Nets this season. Meanwhile, neither Harris nor Mills can be found anywhere in their new team's rotation.
The sharpshooter remains sidelined for the Pistons due to a right shoulder strain, while the veteran Aussie hasn't played that much for the Atlanta Hawks.
"It always feels a little icky to praise teams owned by billionaires for saving money, and it's easier to justify moves that return live bodies. But the Nets secured a healthy trade exception that won't expire until July 2024 and banked some future seconds by moving off two players that didn't figure in their future. This wasn't a standard salary dump either, as the savings essentially went to Johnson on his new deal. If Brooklyn winds up using that TPE from the Harris swap, there'll be no room to criticize anything it did on the trade front."
Flowers for Sean Marks
As it is, there has to be no doubt that Brooklyn made splendid moves for their future, and the retention of Johnson ended up even more beneficial on their side rather than sticking to both Harris and Mills, which are on expiring deals and aging.
Sean Marks truly deserves a ton of credit for brilliantly managing the Nets' roster, flexibility, and capital. From restoring the team's draft chest via the Durant deal and forming a fresher and exciting core led by Mikal Bridges, Brooklyn is absolutely in good hands and can only get better for years to come.
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