The Brooklyn Nets are good.

After being bad for a very long time, after executing arguably the worst trade in NBA history (shout out to Billy King), the Nets are finally good. Why? Because they implemented arguably the most unique and successful rebuild in recent history—aside from Philly’s 76er’s “process.” (Press F to pay respects to Sam Hinkie, who died for our sins.)

Let’s take it back to 2013: The Franchise Depletion

The Nets finished their season with a first round loss to the Chicago Bulls right after clinching their first playoff berth since 2006-2007. Hometown king Jay-Z was in the crowd for some home games, they hired Hall of Fame point guard Jason Kidd as their head coach to call the shots on the court, and their core of Deron Williams, Brook Lopez, and Joe Johnson looked solid throughout the season.

But they still needed a few pieces to really make a finals run in the East. So what do Billy King and the Brooklyn Nets do about it?

They go all in.

The Nets completely mortgage their future, trading for Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Jason Terry; all of whom are in their late 30s (although Terry probably feels like a young 48). For these relics, the Nets throw Boston future first round picks in 2014, 2016, 2018 along with the rights to swap picks in 2017. The trade is gross on so many levels, and for obvious reasons. Brooklyn got 6 points 6 rebounds per game out of Garnett that season, and 13 points per game year from Garnett’s fellow fossil Paul Pierce which ultimately resulted in a second round playoff exit for the Nets.