Nothin' But Nets
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Ranking the Brooklyn Nets’ offseason moves

By Andrew Hughes

BROOKLYN, NY - SEPTEMBER 25: Allen Crabbe #33 of the Brooklyn Nets poses for a portrait during the 2017-2018 Brooklyn Nets Media Day at the Hospital for Special Surgery Training Center on September 25, 2017 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 2016 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
BROOKLYN, NY - SEPTEMBER 25: Allen Crabbe #33 of the Brooklyn Nets poses for a portrait during the 2017-2018 Brooklyn Nets Media Day at the Hospital for Special Surgery Training Center on September 25, 2017 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 2016 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 25: D’Angelo Russell
NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 25: D’Angelo Russell /

Acquiring D’Angelo Russell

Brook Lopez’s time as a Net was obviously coming to a close. With Lopez still a top 50 player in the league and the Nets nowhere near contention, a breakup was the best course of action for both parties.

Lopez being traded was a formality. Getting back a potential star in D’Angelo Russell in the deal was one of the best deals made this summer (Sam Presti’s heist of the Pacers notwithstanding).

Russell has underwhelmed so far in his career but that is more of a result of his situation. The Los Angeles Lakers were not trying to win games last season. Kobe Bryant’s farewell tour consumed his rookie season.

In Brooklyn, Russell will have the chance to thrive. Lin will be his backcourt mate and the two of them look poised to lead the team together.

Russell’s youth fits in with the timeline of this team. He is only 21-years-old. Russell will have years to figure out chemistry with guys like Caris LeVert and Hollis-Jefferson.

Next: The Nets will make the playoffs

Taking on Mozgov’s deal stings, but it was needed to facilitate the deal. Mozgov could still likely provide rim protection and post scoring in doses.

Make no mistake about it, this deal was about acquiring a franchise cornerstone. Giving up a first rounder (that became Kyle Kuzma) hurts. Getting Russell is the sweetest feeling Nets fans have had in a long time.