Danny fleeced the Nets. Without any inside knowledge, it seems as if other teams have been far more reluctant to trade with Danny since then. The only big trade that I can remember since was when Kyrie demanded out of Cleveland.
Did that Nets trade influence potential free agents into thinking Danny knows what he’s doing and has a long term plan? Did those free agents want to be part of that plan? After not being a free agent destination, the Celtics were in serious discussions with Kevin Durant. They actually were able to acquire Al Horford, Gordon Hayward, and Kemba Walker, who were near the top free agents in their class. Kyrie approved a trade to Boston. Obviously, those moves didn’t bring a title, but the team has been a contender for years now.
This is the first year the Nets have been considered as contenders, but the playoffs haven’t even started yet and that team may implode by then. After trading for Harden, I’m not sure if Kyrie remains with the Nets. Rumor has it, the Nets only signed Kyrie because the team wanted KD. Now that KD is on the team, he is their top priority. Maybe the Nets trade Kyrie now and try to get back some first round picks.