The New Jersey Nets owner announced — somewhat surprisingly — on Wednesday that his organization was no longer pursuing a trade for Denver Nugget forward Carmelo Anthony.
"It has taken too long," Prokhorov coldly announced in his intimidating Russian accent before Wednesday's game with Utah. "It has been played out in public, and it certainly has taken a toll on the players and I believe that it has cost us several games. I think management did a great job, but there comes a time when the price is simply too expensive. I'm instructing our team to walk away from the deal."
In one small quote, Prokhorov defined what kind of owner he is and will continue to be going forward, while also dictating what kind of business he's going to run.
By all accounts, Prokhorov is an incredibly smart businessman who is not short on bravado, swagger or cash. With that in mind, he knew that Anthony would be a worthwhile investment. He had his people look into it and aggressively pursue it. Depending on who you listen to, they came pretty close to pulling it off.
Obtaining Anthony would have given the Nets the star player they so desperately covet. They head for Brooklyn in two years, and if they're going to want to give the Knicks any sort of competition for the eyes of The Big Apple, they need star power.
However, despite that need, Prokhorov has now made it clear that he and his organization are not willing to be hamstrung by another franchise or player. He also made it clear that the Nets are ready to get down to business, and if you don't move at the pace they want to move, you're going to miss out.
In this case, it may very well be the Nuggets, not the Nets, who have missed out the most with this deal falling through. Anthony is not going to re-sign in Denver. He had his chance (they offered him a lucrative three-year extension this summer), but he's made it clear he wants out. So not only are the Nuggets missing out on a chance to get something before 'Melo walks away and the end of the season, they're missing out on what may add up to be a pretty impressive something.
The Nuggets would have likely landed guard Devin Harris, one of the game's most underrated players, and the 2010 No. 3 draft pick in Derrick Favors. Add in the fact that Chauncey Billups' career is quickly drawing to a close, being able to land Favors and Harris — to go along with two first-round picks as well — is a lost opportunity for Denver.
From the Nets' standpoint, that package of players and picks may very well validate the cliche, "Sometimes the best trades are the ones you don't make." And when you own a professional sports team, patience is of paramount importance. Prokhorov is showing that. While his patience has understandably run thin with the Nuggets, he's got patience that his young team with cap room and draft picks to spare has a bright future.
The Nets, despite what their spot in the Eastern Conference standings may tell you, are going in the right direction. Mikhail Prokhorov has proven that with one simple news conference. Even though the Nets have been an NBA doormat for the better part of the last decade, Prokhorov is sending the message that when it comes to negotations and business, other teams and players won't be able to treat them like doormats.
The Nets are still a marquee player and a marquee city change away from being relevant in the NBA and the NYC area. But if Wednesday's news tells us anything, it's that with Prokhorov calling the shots, they're certainly on the right road.
Did Mikhail Prokhorov and the Nets make the right decision in walking away from the Carmelo Anthony trade? Share your thoughts below.
