Sean Marks stands pat at deadline
Sean Marks had several tough decisions to make at this year's trade deadline.
With several players such as DeMarre Carroll, Joe Harris and Spencer Dinwiddie having career seasons, the opportunity to cash in on their success was tempting. However, Marks resisted temptation and held onto his guys.
Several teams reportedly reached out to Marks about Carroll, who is averaging 13.2 PPG and 6.2 RPG, both career highs.
While Carroll is having the best season of his career, his impact on the team transcends his performance on the court. The nine-year NBA veteran exemplifies everything that Marks and head coach Kenny Atkinson want their team to be about.
Carroll comes into work everyday with an attitude and determination that is contagious to those around him. With a team as young as the Nets, that veteran leadership is imperative.
Spencer Dinwiddie's transformation this season has made him a well-known commodity around the league as well.
Dinwiddie, a former G-League pickup, has blossomed into a potential star after stepping into the starting point guard role. The second-year Net is averaging 13.5 PPG and 6.7 APG this season.
Zach Lowe of EPSN reported that the Cleveland Cavaliers offered their 2018 first-rounder to Brooklyn for Dinwiddie.
However, Marks wanted more for the 24-year-old floor general. The Cavs pick is the 24th in next year's draft as of right now. This would make dealing Dinwiddie for that pick a risky and questionable move.
Dinwiddie has voiced a desire to stay with Brooklyn long-term. “I would love to be here long-term. I’m fully indebted to Brooklyn,” Dinwiddie told Evan Roberts of WFAN.
26-year-old sharpshooter Joe Harris was another hot trade topic for the Nets at the deadline.
Harris has vastly improved his all-around game this season. Once looked at as strictly a spot-up shooter, Harris can now score in a variety of ways and defend effectively.
He continues to be a reliable three-point shooter as well, converting on 40.2% of his three-point attempts this season.
While Harris has performed at an all-time high this season, he is still undervalued by GMs around the league. Marks would likely not have been able to land more than a second-round pick for Harris.
The Nets did not feel a second-round pick was an adequate return for Harris. Marks will likely attempt to bring back Harris next offseason after his contract expires.
Although the deadline was relatively quiet for Brooklyn, Marks did make a deal Wednesday.
Marks traded recently acquired shooting guard Rashad Vaughn to the Pelicans for forward Dante Cunningham. Vaughn was acquired along with a second-round pick from the Bucks in exchange for Tyler Zeller.
Cunningham is a 6'8" Power Forward who can rebound and shoot from deep. The 30-year-old is averaging five PPG and shooting 32.4% from three this season.
The move fills a void as the Nets are in need of depth at the forward position. Cunningham will likely take a share of Quincy Acy's minutes off the bench.
Holding onto his chips was likely the best move for Marks this trade deadline. Brooklyn will now have the rest of the season to watch these players further develop their skillsets.
Next season will provide another opportunity to cash in on pieces with a potential for greater return.
The Nets have lost eight of their last nine. Atkinson's squad will look to gain some momentum against the Pelicans as Cunningham welcomes his former team to Brooklyn Saturday night.