The New Jersey Nets Conspiracy

After two straight 34-48 seasons the New Jersey Nets seemed poised to come out and contend for a playoff spot in the 2009-10 season, and maybe even return to the glory they had back in 02 & 03 when they went to the Finals back to back season (lost both times). Ok I'm tripping, they weren't going to contend for anything! BUT as of March 13th the Nets are 7-59 and with 16 games to go it is possible that they can at least tie the 72-73 Philadelphia 76ers for the worst record in league history at 9-73. The Nets started the seasons off 0-18 and no one saw any success in this season from the jump.




But the fact they are struggling shouldn't be all that big of a surprise especially with the moves they have made these past two seasons. Let's revisit those trades...


Richard Jefferson played a big part when the Nets went to the Finals back in 02 & 03, and he was the team's leading scorer in 2008. To most people's surprise he was traded on June 26, 2008 to the Milwaukee Bucks for Yi Jianlian and Bobby Simmons after the 08 season. Yeah I know you've probably never heard of Yi, but remember the Chinese prospect who raised hell about being drafted by Milwaukee? That was him!


That trade left Vince Carter alone on the Nets with a group of inexperienced players, but a year after on the exact date that his former running mate Jefferson was traded, Carter too was traded. On June 26, 2009 he was traded to the Orlando Magics for Rafer Alston, Courtney Lee, and Tony Battie.

Now what team would seriously trade away TWO All-Star players for a bunch of no name and/or inexperienced players? Sounds like a team with a master plan if you ask me. And with Summer 2010 aka LeBron's Summer a couple months away isn't it kind of suspicious that they fell off this bad and at this time?



Add to the fact that Jay-Z has brought into the team a while back because the Nets are slated to move to Brooklyn in two seasons, but as of lately LeBron and Jay-Z have been spotted at red carpet events all over. And everyone remembers when Jay-Z proclaimed "My youngin is LeBron" (I'll let a Jay-Z fan remind me what song it's on?!).


Now I know you're asking yourself what does LeBron have to do with Jefferson and Carter being traded. With those trades the Nets got two big time contracts of the table. Carter signed a 4-year $61.8 million in 2007 and Jefferson signed a 6-year $78 million in 2004. They can now offer LeBron that money and allow him to be around his "big homie" Jay-Z. Yeah LeBron added to this current team wouldn't mean much BUT LeBron holds power and if he was to sign with the Nets there is a 100000% chance that another all-star will follow (maybe even two). Also let's remember the rumor about their being a $100 million clause in his contract from Nike if he moves into a bigger market.

Add to the fact that the Nets may also be in the driver seat to win the John Wall lottery this year, and if they do get Wall the Nets will have a lot of teams interested in taking Devin Harris in a trade. The Nets already have a supporting cast of skilled players who should be subs that are starting. So, even if they don't get LeBron I think they will get another All-star or two to go with their top draft choice.



So I wonder are the New Jersey Nets blowing this season like the Cleveland Cavaliers blew the 02-03 season to win LeBron? And yes I know the Cavs blew that season, because Bimbo Coles (a Cavs player in 02-03) was dumb enough to tell the public what management told them to do. No matter what I think the Nets are smart for attempting to try this, because everyone knows even with Carter and Jefferson they would never be better than the Celtics, Cavaliers, Magics, or even the Hawks.

I wonder will this be the future of the NBA? Will other teams follow this format if it works? If you're a struggling franchise just wait to blow games in a season before a Summer with good free agents and a future STAR like Wall in the draft.