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NBA Trade Deadline 2019: The 30-team mega-deal that solves nothing and makes everyone mad

By Ian Levy

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 19: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Philadelphia 76ers in action against the Oklahoma City Thunder during a game at Wells Fargo Center on January 19, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Thunder defeated the Sixers 117-115. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 19: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Philadelphia 76ers in action against the Oklahoma City Thunder during a game at Wells Fargo Center on January 19, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Thunder defeated the Sixers 117-115. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
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ORLANDO, FL – JANUARY 12: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic celebrates with his teammates after a play during the game against the Boston Celtics on January 12, 2019 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL – JANUARY 12: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic celebrates with his teammates after a play during the game against the Boston Celtics on January 12, 2019 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Brooklyn Nets

Sending out: Dzanan Musa (DEN), DeMarre Carroll (IND), Shabazz Napier (DET), Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (ORL), 2019 second-round pick (TOR)

Bringing in: Aaron Gordon (ORL)

The Nets have been able to bounce back and stay competitive in the Eastern Conference, thanks to strong play from their guard and wing rotations. D’Angelo Russell, Spencer Dinwiddie, Joe Harris have been terrific, rookie Rodions Kuruc has become part of the rotation splitting minutes between the 3 and the 4, and at some point, Caris LeVert should be healthy and ready to resume what had been an impressive season. With Jarrett Allen in the middle, there is an obvious hole at the 4.

Here, the Nets plug that hole with Aaron Gordon. His shaky shooting will be a challenge to work around but his athleticism and defensive potential will be welcome additions and Kenny Atkinson has proven adept at finding creative ways to put his players in advantageous situations. Gordon’s ceiling may no longer be that of a surefire star but he’s still going to be an above-average starter, especially if he keeps improving on defense, and his timeline tracks with the rest of this team.

In exchange, the Nets are moving out a lot of pieces none of which, individually, hold much value. Musa looked like a great value pick when he was taken in the 2018 NBA Draft but it’s unlikely that he breaks into this wing rotation any time soon. Napier and Caroll have been useful, but neither is part of the long-term plans. Hollis-Jefferson still has immense defensive potential but he’s regressed on offense this season and Gordon is a much better fit.

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