Boston Sold Mike O'Koren's Rights Back to His Old Club
The Celtics signed Mike O'Koren in October 1987, then sold his player rights to New Jersey on November 2 for cash. The Boston and Nets transaction histories confirm the sequence. O'Koren had spent six previous NBA seasons in New Jersey before a short 1986-87 Washington stint, so the move returned him to a familiar franchise rather than introducing an unknown developmental prospect. Boston was not getting another player or draft pick in exchange, and the amount of cash was not disclosed in the record. The useful comparison is a small financial return versus a short opportunity to use a veteran forward.
O'Koren Played Only Four Games Upon Returning
O'Koren's second Nets stint amounted to four regular-season appearances during 1987-88. He didn't start, playing 52 total minutes and averaging 4.5 points with one rebound. Those games were also the final four NBA appearances of his eight-season career. New Jersey had a difficult 19-63 season and was searching for workable roster options; even a short test gave the club a modest on-court return from an inexpensive rights acquisition. The Nets' C+ captures that limited production without rewarding the trade for O'Koren's earlier years with the franchise.
Cash Helped Boston Without Producing Court Minutes
The Celtics had signed O'Koren only about a month before selling the rights, and he never appeared in a regular-season game for Boston. By accepting cash instead of holding him, the team converted a marginal roster right into immediate consideration while avoiding the need to create rotation minutes for him. Boston's C is a reasonable outcome grade for a small financial transaction, but no sourced dollar amount is available, so the return can't be equated with a substantial salary-cap benefit or future player acquisition. New Jersey's tiny actual playing contribution creates a slight comparative edge while neither team receives a lasting basketball asset.
Final Verdict
Slight Nets Edge. New Jersey receives C+ after Mike O'Koren returned for four games and 52 minutes. Boston gets C for selling his rights for an undisclosed cash amount after signing him a month earlier. Neither side obtained sustained NBA production, and the Nets' advantage is narrow.