Philadelphia reacquired Bill Melchionni's NBA rights from Phoenix on September 13, 1969 for a 1970 second-round pick that became Joe DePre at No. 29. Neither asset produced games for the team that acquired it. Melchionni signed with the New York Nets of the ABA two days later and became a star there, while DePre also chose the ABA and signed with the Nets in 1970 rather than joining Phoenix. Both players later had productive ABA careers, but those careers belong to New York, not Philadelphia or Phoenix. On realized team value, the trade finishes essentially even.
The 76ers acquired Melchionni’s NBA rights from Phoenix on September 13, 1969 for a 1970 second-round pick that became Joe DePre at No. 29. Neither incoming asset ultimately produced games for the acquiring NBA team.
Two days later, Melchionni signed with the New York Nets and became a star in the ABA. That career cannot be credited to Philadelphia because the 76ers never received his on-court production from the reacquired rights.
DePre likewise chose the ABA and signed with the Nets in 1970 instead of joining the Suns. His later professional value therefore did not become realized Phoenix value from this draft pick.
The two players had productive careers elsewhere, but neither delivered games to the NBA franchise that acquired the corresponding asset. Equal C grades and an Even Trade verdict fit that outcome.
Even Trade — Philadelphia C, Phoenix C. Philadelphia reacquired Bill Melchionni's NBA rights from Phoenix on September 13, 1969 for a 1970 second-round pick that became Joe DePre at No. 29.