This 2018 Nets trade tells us a few things about how they view their current team. The Brooklyn Nets have traded center Tyler Zeller to the Milwaukee Bucks for guard Rashad Vaughn and a protected 2018 2nd round pick.
The news was first reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski:
Brooklyn is trading Tyler Zeller to Milwaukee, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 5, 2018
This move adds depth at center position for the Bucks, which to this point, have used John Henson and Thon Maker to split the majority of minutes at the traditional center role. It was the first notable transaction since the firing of former head coach Jason Kidd.
Brooklyn continues their process of adding any draft pick available and taking chances on former 1st round picks that have fallen from favor with their current team. Following the likes of Deangelo Russell, Jahlil Okafor, and Nik Stauskas. Adding assets and gambling on talent alone has proven a solid strategy for Brooklyn and head coach Kenny Atkinson as they have enjoyed more than expected contribution from players like Spencer Dinwiddie and DeMarre Carroll. Vaughn, the former 17th overall pick in 2015, will look to follow in the footsteps of these aforementioned players and resurrect his career with the Nets.
The 2nd rounder is protected between picks 31 and 47 in this year’s draft and would turn into an unprotected 2nd in 2020 if it does not convey this season.
The Nets have been in limbo for a long time. The last time this team was relevant was in 2013 when they made a big splash for Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Jason Terry. And it looks like they are still suffering from it.
Milwaukee is currently 5th in the Western Conference playoff race while Brooklyn sits in 12th, a firm eight games back of the final playoff spot.
