Interesting article on Nets' GM Billy King... I am not sure I agree with the author, but given that the Nets' were able to keep Deron Williams and then surround him with a pretty decent starting unit, who won the trade. Personally, I think it is still too early and this season will determine a lot. While the Nets have potential to be championship contenders in the East for the next 2-3 seasons, I think Utah is in better position to be a mediocre playoff team now but competing for a title in 3 seasons. Jazz in 2016!!!
https://basketball.realgm.com/blog/222406/The_Risk_Filled_Tenure_Of_Billy_King
https://basketball.realgm.com/blog/222406/The_Risk_Filled_Tenure_Of_Billy_King
On Februrary 23, 2011, King traded Devin Harris, Derrick Favors, two first-round picks, and cash to the Utah Jazz for Williams.
It appeared King paid a premium price for Williams, who had just recently experienced a dispute with Jerry Sloan that led to his resignation after 23 seasons as head coach of the Jazz.
Upon making the deal, King had no commitment Williams would re-sign when his contract expired.
Harris was two years removed from an All-Star selection, Favors had arguably the most potential of the 2010 NBA Draft class, and the two first-round picks held great value because the Nets had little remaining talent on the roster besides Williams.
One of the two first-round picks became the third overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, Enes Kanter. During his rookie season Kanter played sparingly behind Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap and the jury is out on his NBA future.
The second of the two first-round picks in the Williams' trade has yet to materialize. That’s because there was a lottery stipulation (Top-7 in 2012 and 2013 protection) in a previous deal between the Nets and the Golden State Warriors involving Marcus Williams.
In retrospect, King won the Williams' trade in a landslide.
Williams re-signed and is one of the top point guards in the NBA.
Meanwhile in Utah, Harris wrapped up his worst statistical season in nine years and was traded to the Hawks for Marvin Williams. Favors and Kanter both have unquestioned potential to become solid NBA bigs, but remaining behind Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap on the depth chart has surely stunted their development.