New York acquired Leary Lentz and Willie Somerset from Houston on January 31, 1969 for Levern Tart, Bob Verga and Hank Whitney. Somerset immediately gave the Nets 31 games at 24.1 points per game, while Lentz added 26 reserve appearances. Houston received the deeper long-term package. Verga averaged 24.7 points in 33 Mavericks games, then remained with the franchise after its move to Carolina and became an ABA All-Star and top-five MVP finisher in 1969-70. Whitney also stayed into the Carolina season, while Tart was quickly converted into draft choices. The Mavericks' side ultimately produced more sustained value.
The Nets acquired Willie Somerset and Leary Lentz from Houston on January 31, 1969 for Levern Tart, Bob Verga and Hank Whitney. The deal exchanged two immediate contributors for a deeper three-player package.
Somerset averaged 24.1 points across 31 New York games, while Lentz added 26 reserve appearances. The Nets therefore received meaningful short-term production from both incoming pieces.
Verga averaged 24.7 points in 33 Mavericks games, stayed with the franchise after its move to Carolina and became an ABA All-Star plus a top-five MVP finisher in 1969-70. Whitney also remained into the Carolina season.
Tart was quickly converted into draft choices, adding another branch to Houston’s asset chain. New York’s B reflects a productive immediate return, but Houston’s A recognizes the greater duration and peak value produced by the outgoing package.
Mavericks Win — New York B, Houston A. New York acquired Leary Lentz and Willie Somerset from Houston on January 31, 1969 for Levern Tart, Bob Verga and Hank Whitney. Somerset immediately gave the Nets 31 games at 24.1 points per game, while Lentz added 26 reserve appearances.