The Nets didn’t have to invest in K.J. McDaniels. They could have filled their roster opening with a D-Leaguer. McDaniels was reportedly offered by the Rockets as they sought to get under the cap. The Nets didn’t provide the Rockets anything but “cash considerations,” according to their press release.
It is a minor deal but one that a lot of pundits liked because of the 6’6” McDaniels defensive abilities and his potential as a 3-and-D specialist. The Nets have a player option on McDaniels for next season.
McDaniels getting traded reminds me that two years ago at the deadline, Sixers Twitter was apoplectic that Philadelphia dealt him as a rookie to Houston in exchange for Isaiah Canaan and a second-round pick (subsequently used to take Richaun Holmes), not unlike this year's Nerlens Noel panic.