Nothin' But Nets
Fansided

Grading each Brooklyn Nets offseason move

By Josh Rudy

BROOKLYN, NY - JUNE 26: Sean Marks, GM of the Brooklyn Nets, introduces D'Angelo Russell and Timofey Mozgov during a press conference on June 26, 2017 at HSS Training Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
BROOKLYN, NY - JUNE 26: Sean Marks, GM of the Brooklyn Nets, introduces D'Angelo Russell and Timofey Mozgov during a press conference on June 26, 2017 at HSS Training Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next
BROOKLYN, NY – JUNE 26: D’Angelo Russell
BROOKLYN, NY – JUNE 26: D’Angelo Russell /

Lakers/Nets trade

Lakers receive: Brook Lopez & 27th pick of the 2017 NBA Draft (Kyle Kuzma, ugh.)
Nets receive: D’Angelo Russell & Timofey Mozgov

The move nobody thought would happen. Brook Lopez, after spending his entire career on the trade block, was finally traded.

However, the Nets capitalized on a golden opportunity. Brook Lopez was not apart of Brooklyn’s future plans, regardless of his newfound three-point shooting ability. His contract expires at the end of next season, when he will turn 30 years-old. We all know Lopez still has plenty of game left in the tank, but for the Nets, this seemed like the right move.

Adding D’Angelo Russell, 21, gives Brooklyn a future star to build around. With the Lakers hopping on the Lonzo Ball train, Russell was made available, and the Nets made their move. In 2015, ‘DLo’ was taken 2nd overall by the Lakers and has averaged 14 points, 4 assists and 3.5 rebounds per game in his two-year career.

For most players, it takes time to adjust to the NBA game, and at 21 years-old, Russell could still be getting acclimated. Many draft experts thought he would need a couple of years to figure it out, and while his numbers are respectable, people expected more. With Kenny Atkinson’s magic, Russell could be a huge steal for the Nets.

However, there was a price to pay. Taking on the contract of Timofey Mozgov will hurt the Nets’ payroll for the next three years. Mozgov still has plenty to offer, though. He’s a physical presence in the lane, which is something the Nets sorely need. Call me crazy, but I think ‘Timo’ can resurrect his career in Brooklyn, especially if he can do this.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BWfBhU-h-Kc/?taken-by=mozg25

The final piece of the trade hurts the most. While the Nets were unaware of who the 27th pick would be, the Lakers look to have found a steal with Kyle Kuzma. He’s been a favorite of mine for quite some time.

He’s absolutely dominated the Summer League competition, and while people will say “it’s just the Summer League,” if you watch the game, you know this kid can play. The Nets would have benefitted from his skill set, but it wasn’t meant to be.

Grade: B+

The Nets had the cap space to take on the Mozgov contract, and ultimately, it landed them D’Angelo Russell. Giving up Brook Lopez is a tough pill for Nets fans to swallow, but it was the right thing to do.