Why The Brooklyn Nets Do The Deal?

If the Nets do this deal, they will get worse. They may hand the Rockets a lottery pick. At the same time, that’s a sunk cost. The Nets shouldn’t be thinking about Houston when they make their decisions moving forward.

Meanwhile, this team isn’t accomplishing anything meaningful. The Nets don’t have to lose for seasons on end if they make this deal. They play in one of the league’s best markets, and they’ll have the assets to trade for disgruntled stars. This deal is about improving their flexibility when making future deals. After all, they’re landing two unprotected first-round picks. If the Nets give the keys to Ivey, they could be landing another star – or enhancing his trade value.

Why The Detroit Pistons Do The Deal?

This would be an unconventional choice for the Pistons. Most critics will say that when you’re the worst team in the NBA, you don’t give up assets. Sure. What about when you’ve been the worst team in the NBA for quite some time?

The Pistons have watched teams like the Orlando Magic, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Houston Rockets join the rank of competitive teams. They’re now among the new generation of bottom feeders.

The Pistons are years into this rebuild – they shouldn’t share the bottom of the standings with the Washington Wizards, San Antonio Spurs, and Portland Trail Blazers. It’s time to end this rebuild. At this point, the simplest way to do so may be by acquiring a veteran at a position of need. The Pistons could use a 3-and-D wing who can create his own shot – Bridges qualifies. This might be the splash that Detroit needs to make.