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Brooklyn Nets: The Dwight Howard trade is brilliant for the future

By John Carroll Jr.

NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 21: Dwight Howard #12 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts in the third quarter against the Brooklyn Nets during their game at Barclays Center on March 21, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 21: Dwight Howard #12 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts in the third quarter against the Brooklyn Nets during their game at Barclays Center on March 21, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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The Brooklyn Nets and Charlotte Hornets have agreed to a deal that sees the Nets getting the once mega-star big man, Dwight  Howard. The deal is brilliant but we might not see it yet.

The Brooklyn Nets and Charlotte Hornets are making moves as the draft approaches on Thursday.

The teams agreed to a deal that on the surface swaps Timofey Mozgov and Dwight Howard. But, the moving parts in this trade are more important.

The most important thing here for Nets fans is that is does cost them any first round picks. The Nets have given up way too many first round picks for washed up, out of their prime, veterans before and cannot afford to do so again.

Brooklyn giving up a their second round pick this season does sting to an extent. The Nets could have perhaps used that pick in a package and trade up in the draft.

Now, the Nets do not have the draft pick ammo to make a move even worth making.

The other short-term effect of this deal is that the Nets get to bring in a veteran who once wanted to be here. His talent fall off is scary but still a big time player who has experienced the highest of high and the lowest of lows in his career. The Nets need someone like him around.

This deal, however, keeps the Nets’ rebuild perfectly on track. The team now gets rid of Mozgov’s awful contract. They also will end up paying less for Howard.

The Nets are not ready to win now anyway so this draft is not really the one that makes or breaks them. Their plan is more along the line of two-three seasons where they have their own first rounders.

That is another reason why this trade is brilliant but we just don’t see it yet. The trade saves the Nets money for the upcoming free agency season. In 2019 they will have more money to sign bigger stars.

So, essentially what the Nets are doing is bringing in a veteran who can help the young guys, saving money, losing only two draft picks in later rounds, and keeping on track of their rebuild.

It is perfect. Quite honestly, it is brilliant. Even if Howard ends up being distracting or a negative influence the Nets are not tied to him that long, at least do not need to be. This upcoming season is still a building season and now have an idea of what the ones after look like.

Brooklyn’s future is bright people. It’s okay to take this trade with a grain of salt because there is no way of knowing just how helpful it will end up being yet. However, the Nets, here, are not making the same fatal mistakes of the old regime. They are set on an actual rebuild.

The Nets now only have two selections in the upcoming draft. However, moves like this show that can change in the coming days as well.

Next: Pre-trade Brooklyn Nets Mock Draft!

Some free agents in 2019, who are worthy and realistic options for the Nets include Klay Thompson, Kemba Walker, Karl Anthony-Towns, Kyrie Irving, and Paul George. The Nets might not get any o f those guys. However, they now have the cap space to try.

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