The Knicks just happened to be an innocent bystander, the national television opponent last Wednesday when the Nets swung a massive four-team trade to bring another star to Brooklyn. But as they were overrun by even a shorthanded incarnation of the Nets that night, it put them in a spotlight that they may not want right now.
In dealing for James Harden the Nets made the questionable and controversial decision to mortgage their future in the form of not just two young, talented players in Caris LeVert and Jarrett Allen but also control of future first-round picks. Still, as Kevin Durant led the Nets past the Knicks that night, it showed off the allure of securing a star.