A look at Billy King’s track record of big trades as a general manager:
July 12, 2013
Nets trade: MarShon Brooks, Keith Bogans, Gerald Wallace, Kris Joseph, Kris Humphries, first-round picks in 2014, 2016, 2018 and the right to swap firsts in 2017
Nets receive: Boston’s Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Jason Terry
King gave up several future assets to try and win now. Pierce and Garnett showed flashes of their old selves, but ultimately the Nets fell short of their championship goal with the two veterans, losing to the Miami Heat in the second round. Pierce is gone now, while Garnett is going to be 38 in 2014-15.
July 11, 2012
Nets trade: Jordan Farmar, DeShawn Stevenson, Anthony Morrow, Jordan Williams, Johan Petro, first-round pick in 2013, right to swap first-round picks in 2015, second-round pick in 2017
Nets receive: Atlanta’s Joe Johnson
King made this trade to put more talent around Williams and convince him to stay. It worked. Johnson has been a solid, consistent scorer for the Nets. So far, so good as far as this move is concerned.
March 15, 2012
Nets trade: Shawne Williams, Mehmet Okur, conditional first-round pick in 2013
Nets receive: Portland’s Gerald Wallace
At least it helped convince Williams to stay. That was pretty much it. Wallace didn’t have much value offensively, but King decided to reward him with $40 million because of his defense and intangibles. That draft pick became Damian Lillard. Not that the Nets would’ve selected him, but still. King was able to salvage things by deal Wallace in the Pierce-KG trade.
Feb. 23, 2011
Nets trade: Devin Harris, Derrick Favors, two first-round picks and cash
Nets receive: Utah’s Deron Williams
The Nets lacked a superstar, so King got them one. Even Donnie Walsh was impressed at the time. King then gave Williams a max deal, but the point guard hasn’t performed like a max player. Injuries are largely to blame.
Dec. 19, 2006
Sixers trade: Allen Iverson, Ivan McFarlin
Sixers receive: Denver’s Andre Miller, Joe Smith, two 2007 first-round picks
King was able to get a nice haul for his franchise player, while gaining salary flexibility in the form of Smith’s expiring contract. Miller was a more than serviceable point guard for Philadelphia. Quality transaction.
Feb. 23, 2005
Sixers trade: Kenny Thomas, Corliss Williamson, Brian Skinner
Sixers receive: Sacramento’s Chris Webber, Michael Bradley and Matt Barnes
This one didn’t work out so well for King. Webber was pretty effective in his only full season in Philadelphia, but ended up getting bought out. During Webber’s short tenure, the Sixers picked up just one playoff win.
July 23, 2003
Sixers trade: Keith Van Horn to New York; Randy Holcomb, first-round pick and cash to Atlanta
Sixers receive: Atlanta’s Glenn Robinson; Minnesota’s Marc Jackson
Robinson put up pedestrian numbers while battling injuries. He eventually lost his place in the starting lineup to young Andre Iguodala and played just 42 games in Philadelphia. Jackson provided solid depth in the frontcourt.
Aug. 6, 2002
Sixers trade: Dikembe Mutombo
Sixers receive: New Jersey’s Keith Van Horn, Todd MacCulloch
Van Horn served as a nice compliment to Iverson for a season, but struggled in the playoffs. MacCulloch returned to Philadelphia for a second go-around, but had his career cut short due to injury. Mutombo played just 24 games with the Nets, and was bought out.
Oct. 25, 2001
Sixers trade: George Lynch, Jerome Moiso, Robert Traylor to Charlotte
Sixers receive: Charlotte’s Derrick Coleman, Corie Blount; Golden State’s Vonteego Cummings
Coleman had a pretty decent season in 2001-02, but teetered off from there. He was at the tail-end of his career, and it’s not like King gave up all that much to get him.
Aug. 3, 2001
Sixers trade: Tyrone Hill, Jumaine Jones
Sixers receive: Cleveland’s Matt Harpring, Robert Traylor, Cedric Henderson
Harpring didn’t like his “glue guy” role with the Sixers. He didn’t seem too fond of Larry Brown or Iverson either, judging by his comments to the media. He turned down a contract offer from Philadelphia and left for Utah.
Feb. 22, 2001
Sixers trade: Toni Kukoc, Theo Ratliff, Nazr Mohammed, Pepe Sanchez
Sixers receive: Atlanta’s Dikembe Mutombo, Roshown McLeod
Mutombo served as a solid veteran presence and shot-blocker for the Sixers, who advanced to the NBA finals. He was a force throughout the playoffs. This was a solid trade for King.
Feb. 16, 2000
Sixers trade: Larry Hughes, Bruce Bowen, Billy Owens to Golden State
Sixers receive: Chicago’s Toni Kukoc
Kukoc struggled during the regular season and shot 38. 7 percent during the playoffs. His career with the Sixers was short-lived. Hughes ended up having a solid career, though he was never an All-Star.