Trade deadline reveals Brooklyn Nets’ long term plans

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) /
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It was a very active day up until the 3 o’clock trade deadline in the NBA today. The Brooklyn Nets made one move, but weren’t one of the active teams.  General Manager Sean Marks’ decisions seem to reveal the Nets plans moving forward.

There was much speculation on trades the Brooklyn Nets could have been involved in today. Many teams showed interested in Joe Harris and DeMarre Carroll in recent weeks.

In the case of Harris, it became clear that the Nets valued the guard more than other teams did. There is not doubt that Marks was looking for a first round pick from a contender in exchange for Harris. Rightfully so, he has demonstrated his ability as a marksmen with defensive intensity.

With Carroll, teams were likely weary of taking on the money left on his deal. Yet many teams could have used a veteran who fills the stat sheet during their playoff runs.

The Nets lone move on the day was a trade of recently acquired Rashad Vaughn to the Pelicans for Dante Cunningham. Sure, Cunningham provides another potential three point threat, but this move was more about the rest of the team. Cunningham is an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, and almost certainly won’t be retained.

Marks and Kenny Atkinson determined that it would be tough to get Vaughn the minutes he would need to really develop given the current rotation.

RELATED STORY: The Brooklyn Nets trade for Cunningham

This move was also a vote of confidence for the current wings on the roster. In particular Caris Levert and Allen Crabbe, who as we documented, had a career game last night in Detroit.

The fact that Harris is still here means that the Nets are confident they can resign him, and at a reasonable price. He has stated on numerous occasions that he likes the culture in Brooklyn, and would like to stay.

Sean Marks has certainly been active during his tenure with the Brooklyn Nets. Today was not one of those days, and that’s not a bad thing. The opportunity to acquire key assets wasn’t there the way it has been in the past. Marks has put his trust in the Nets staff to continue developing the players that are here the way they have been.