KOC is so tight lipped I wouldn't want him going around telling everybody Deron was for sale. Many would start to openly consider the pros and cons of a deal for deron and free agency next year might've made it impossible to decide where he got traded. Like it did for Melo.
I mean, Jersey ultimately wouldn't deal for Melo because Melo wouldn't agree to sign with them. But after NY go Melo, Jersey was still feeling the burn from losing him so they, like a stupid gambler, tried to recoup their losses and optimistically pounced on a deal that could very well blow up in their face. Earlier they greatly weighed the risk of the acquired star not re-signing with them. But losing makes a gambler emotional and the earlier reason goes out the door. I don't expect Deron will re-sign with them. The nets were tilting and KOC pounced. It was a thing of beauty. I'm happy the Nets didn't heed Kenny Rogers' advice. they suck.