Prior to the 2017 NBA Draft, the Brooklyn Nets traded Brook Lopez and the No. 27 pick for D'Angelo Russell and Timofey Mozgov. In a concerted effort to replenish the team's prospects and draft picks from the Boston Celtics trade, general manager Sean Marks has taken on untradeable contracts during the rebuilding process.

While the Nets have the former No. 2 pick of the 2015 NBA Draft, Kyle Kuzma is already considered a steal after his strong performances have carried over to the 2017-18 NBA season. However, Marks does not regret trading the late first round draft pick according to Brian Lewis of New York Post:

“No,” Marks told The Post earlier. “The pick was part of the deal. Who knows who would’ve drafted Kyle? Kudos to the Lakers for that.

But at the end of the day that wasn’t ever a factor in our [mind]. Our deal was it’s the right time to go get that talent and try and develop D’Angelo. And put Brook into a situation where the Lakers wanted him, so it’s as good situation for him too.”

In an exclusive interview with ClutchPoints, Kuzma revealed the Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Spurs were interested in drafting him. As a result, the Nets may not have even drafted him if they kept the draft pick.

While it will take a couple years to determine who ultimately won the trade, both teams seem content. For the Nets, they have an All-Star potential guard who fits in with head coach Kenny Atkinson's system. As for the Lakers, they found a gem in the late first round and created financial flexibility for 2018 free agency.