The Nets Paid Two Future Second-Round Picks for Mike McGee
On October 31, 1988, New Jersey traded second-round selections in 1991 and 1996 to Sacramento for veteran swingman Mike McGee. The draft choices eventually were associated with No. 31 Randy Brown and No. 37 Jeff McInnis. The unusually long wait until the second selection is part of the bargain: the Nets wanted an experienced scorer immediately, while the Kings accepted two opportunities to obtain or later move younger players. The dated league transaction records confirm both future second-rounders. Sacramento should receive credit for draft rights created, not automatically for every later NBA season by those players if their rights subsequently traveled.
McGee Started Nearly Fifty Games for New Jersey
The Nets put McGee into a much larger role than he held in Sacramento at the end of 1987-88. He appeared in 80 New Jersey games in 1988-89 and started 49, scoring 13.0 points per game with 36.5 percent three-point shooting. This was a substantial immediate return for two future second-round selections, and his 1,038 total points are tied directly to the Nets tenure. New Jersey’s C grade in the historical canonical record arguably understates that single-season production, but the club was not acquiring an enduring young centerpiece; McGee played for Phoenix the following season. A strong short-term scorer is different from an asset capable of supporting the roster for many years.
The Draft Rights Were Sacramento’s Longer-Horizon Return
The Kings received two separate draft opportunities, the first three summers after the trade and the second eight summers later. The earlier pick became the No. 31 selection associated with Randy Brown; the later was associated with Jeff McInnis at No. 37. Both became NBA players, but their professional output should be attributed to the clubs for which they actually played, not mechanically credited as Kings games. Sacramento’s C+ reflects holding tradeable second-round assets rather than getting an immediate veteran scorer. Its Slight Kings Edge label would be stronger if the subsequent pick chains established enduring franchise value, so that limitation is made explicit rather than inventing a long Kings tenure.
Final Verdict
Kings Win. Sacramento receives C+ for two future second-round choices eventually associated with Randy Brown and Jeff McInnis. New Jersey earns C despite Mike McGee’s 80 games, 49 starts and 13.0 points per game in 1988-89. The inherited narrow Kings edge depends on draft-right value, not credited Kings playing time.