Brooklyn Nets Receive: G/F Evan Fournier, G Derrick Rose, G/F RJ Barrett, 2023 First-Round Pick (NYK), 2023 First-Round Pick (DAL via NYK), 2023 First-Round Pick (Lottery Protected – DET via NYK) 2025 First-Round Pick (NYK), 2027 First-Round Pick (NYK), 2028 First-Round Pick (Swap -NYK), 2029 First-Round Pick (NYK)

New York Knicks Receive: F Kevin Durant

The Nets may have a substantially reduced incentive to bottom out in light of the Harden trade. Still, when bottoming out looks like his, they’d have to at least consider it.

For what it’s worth, the Nets only owe a swap to Houston next year in what’s expected to be a loaded draft class. Meanwhile, the Rockets are highly unlikely to play themselves out of the lottery next season.

Suppose for example that the Nets land the first overall pick, and the Rockets land the sixth overall pick. Is swapping the first pick for the sixth really such an immeasurably bad fate that the Nets should avoid it at all costs?

Bottoming out probably means ceding a lottery pick to the Rockets in 2024. Is that even the end of the world? The Nets would have Ben Simmons, RJ Barrett, their sixth overall pick, and a boatload of draft capital from the Knicks.

LATEST NBA NEWS AND RUMORS: This Trade Sends Brooklyn Nets’ Kevin Durant To New York Knicks

Bear in mind that they’re trading the Knicks a 34-year-old Durant. This deal won’t set the Knicks up for a decade – those picks could be valuable. Still, if the Nets can’t subscribe to the same logic, this next three-team deal may suit them better.