The Nets finally moved Landry Shamet, and got a better return than expected.
The Nets traded Shamet to Phoenix for young guard Jevon Carter and the No. 29 pick in Thursday night’s NBA draft at Barclays Center. The deal was first reported by ESPN, and was confirmed by The Post.
Brooklyn general manager Sean Marks had tried to get a first-round pick back for Shamet earlier in the season to use in the January megadeal for James Harden. But at the time he couldn’t find a deal to his liking, and had to give up young center Jarrett Allen instead.
This time he got his first-rounder (albeit No. 29), and then some. Shamet heads to NBA finalist Phoenix to play for Monty Williams, who was a big proponent of his when the coach was an assistant in Philadelphia.
Carter, 25, may not be the shooter Shamet is, but he’s hit a solid career 38.1 percent from 3-point range. Arguably more important is his work on the other end of the floor, a stout defender under team control.
While Shamet, 24, was extension-eligible as of Aug. 6 — and it was no forgone conclusion the Nets were going to pay — Carter is locked up at $3.65 million next season and $3.925 million the year after that. That presents a much cheaper alternative to Bruce Brown, whom the Nets could lose in free agency.
Brown, who served as the Nets’ perimeter stopper last season, could command a massive raise up to as high as $9 million according to sentiment around the league.
The Nets owned picks No. 27, 29, 44, 49 and 59 heading into the draft.
The Wizards’ rumored blockbuster trade of Russell Westbrook before Thursday’s draft has the potential to make an impact that reaches all the way to Brooklyn. Washington is looking to add talent around superstar Bradley Beal, and the Nets’ free agent Spencer Dinwiddie could be part of that quest.
Lakers Kyle Kuzma and Montrezl Harrell are reportedly in play, going to Washington for Westbrook. And they’re viewed by the Wizards not as long-term pieces but as assets to get Dinwiddie.
The point guard — who partially tore his ACL in December but has been rehabbing in Los Angeles — has expressed interest in playing alongside Beal according to BetMGM, with a sign-and-trade benefitting both he and the Nets.
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