Brooklyn Nets: Complete 2018 offseason grades

Nuggets salary dump deal

The Denver Nuggets and Brooklyn Nets are two teams headed in opposite directions at the moment, but came together to construct a deal that was beneficial to both teams. In this trade, the Nets received Kenneth Faried, Darrell Arthur, a protected 2019 first round draft pick and a 2020 second round draft pick.

Sean Marks accomplished a couple of goals with this deal. Though the first round pick is top-12 protected, it’s highly unlikely the Nuggets draft that high next season. This should give the Nets two first round picks next season to go along with the nearly $70 million in cap space likely used to pursue two big-name free agents.

Though Faried could be bought out like Dwight Howard, it’s likely the Nets hold on to him through next season. If he has a resurgent year, they could make the decision to bring him back on a short-term year deal. However, his expiring contract makes him an enticing asset at the trade deadline. Marks could trade him to a team in contention for further draft picks, or a couple of young upstart players that would fit the system.

Grade: A-