The Nets Converted a Franchise Forward Into Draft Capital
On July 15, 2004, Denver acquired forward Kenyon Martin from New Jersey through a sign-and-trade agreement. The Nets received three first-round selections with different protections and future delivery schedules. Martin had started 65 games during the Nets 2003-04 season, averaged 16.7 points and 9.5 rebounds, and earned an All-Star appearance. He had also been an integral frontcourt player on the franchise’s back-to-back 2002 and 2003 Finals teams. Denver was buying a proven starting forward for its Carmelo Anthony era, while New Jersey was moving away from a major contract commitment and rebuilding its future draft reserves. The incoming assets were draft picks, not veteran players delivered on July 15.
Martin Provided Denver With Years of Starting Power
Martin started 70 Nuggets games in 2004-05, averaging 15.5 points and 7.3 rebounds. Injuries disrupted later seasons, especially in 2005-06 and 2006-07, but he recovered enough to return as an important frontcourt defender on subsequent Nuggets playoff teams. His energetic interior play complemented Anthony and the Denver guards. The Nuggets got real NBA value from a player who remained with the franchise into the 2010-11 season. Their B- inherited grade balances those productive years against both the contract and an uneven injury history. A one-season disappointment would not accurately describe his contribution, yet it was not an uninterrupted string of peak All-Star seasons either.
New Jersey’s Three Protected Picks Had Several Future Paths
The first-round selections associated with the sign-and-trade eventually appeared in transaction history alongside No. 16 Joey Graham in 2005 and No. 20 Renaldo Balkman and No. 22 Marcus Williams in 2006. Those names describe draft-pick identities and later chains, not three players who necessarily suited up for the Nets. The value New Jersey obtained was control over multiple protected assets that could be drafted or exchanged while the franchise managed Martin’s departure. Its B- grade reflects the appeal of several future firsts and reduced salary obligations, offset by the loss of a proven forward. In retrospect, Denver obtained the strongest directly traceable starting player, but New Jersey gained substantial tradeable capital.
Final Verdict
Even Trade by the inherited B- grades. Denver receives B- for Kenyon Martin’s multi-season frontcourt contribution, including 70 starts in 2004-05. New Jersey also earns B- for three protected first-round picks attached to the sign-and-trade. The draft-right paths must be tracked separately from each selected player’s later club.