How Brooklyn’s view on LeBron’s Heat impacted the trade with Boston

Ahh yes, the infamous Nets-Celtics trade is still being discussed as the repercussions are still unfolding. It’s no fun for Nets fans ... and a whole lot of fun for Celtics fans.

For those who don’t recall, In June 2013, the Nets traded three first round draft picks (2014, 2016 and 2018), as well as the right to swap first round picks in 2017 for Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Jason Terry.

Bobby Marks, now with The Vertical, was Brooklyn’s Assistant GM at the time of the trade. He took the time to sit down with Damon Amendolara on the DA show and revealed management’s thought process at the time of the trade.

“We thought at the time that that Miami team with LeBron and where he was at (that) stage was vulnerable,” Marks said. “I’ve said it all along (to) teams this past trade deadline: You have to be careful with him, with LeBron. He’s got three, four – how many more good years? When you think he’s maybe missed a step, he’s as good as you’ve seen in these playoffs here.”

They thought the (lack of) Miami’s depth could’ve been a difference maker. At the time, the Nets had plenty of depth but struggled with consistency in the starting lineup – especially with Brook Lopez’s injury and poor play of Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett.

“The bench (that was) there, it’s almost like the situation in Golden State (where) you’ve got a top-heavy roster,” Marks said. “At the time, it was (Chris) Bosh, (Dwyane) Wade, Ray Allen was there, LeBron there, and you figure here’s your chance to maybe overtake them, to push them. You put a veteran group (together) like we did in Brooklyn, and if you make a mistake like that – I think that’s where Boston kind of pulled in the reins a little bit at the trade deadline. It will cost you for the long haul here (if you make a mistake). I think that’s where teams really have to be careful.”

The Nets were the only team to sweep Miami in the regular season during its “Big Three” era. Then the two faced off in the second round of the playoffs and Miami handled Brooklyn in five games with LeBron dominating. Some have said after losing in the first round to the Chicago Bulls, the Nets felt the needed leadership and more toughness.

For the Nets, the trade continues to be the gift that keeps on giving.

You can listen to the full interview here.

• A LeBron James misjudgment cost the Nets everything - Brian Lewis - New York Post