Why The Brooklyn Nets Do The Deal
When asking if a trade is fair, it’s typically best to survey the league for alternative offers first.
The Phoenix Suns, as it stands, can offer a comparable offer to this one. They can’t trade the recently extended Deandre Ayton until January 15th, but they could offer Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, and a comparable amount of draft capital.
If the Nets can wait this situation out until mid-January, the Suns’ package trumps any package the Raptors can offer without including Barnes. Otherwise, it’s a roughly equal deal. A look around the league doesn’t offer the Nets many alternatives.
The Philadelphia 76ers could package Tyrese Maxey and Tobias Harris’ contract, but they’re woefully short on draft capital. The same goes for the Miami Heat with Tyler Herro and Kyle Lowry. Otherwise, the Wizards could offer a comparable mix of intriguing young players and draft picks.
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The New Orleans Pelicans could build a compelling offer around either Zion Williamson or Brandon Ingram and picks if they wanted to. Otherwise, any other team is either too far from contention to bother, or rosters one of the few players with higher trade value than Durant in the first place.
This may not be Brooklyn’s dream package, but depending on how the summer unfolds, it could be the best offer they have.
