1. Kyrie wasn't happy, so trading him before the season starts and it becomes an "issue" in the locker room was imperative.

2. Hope that adding IT and Crowder puts them in a strong position to get back to the Finals. Even if they lose, the front office and Gilbert go to 'Bron after the season is over and say, "Hey, we made it this far AGAIN but with IT instead of Irving, and we're bring in (potentially) a top 2 pick next year (Obviously they gotta hope the Nets are trash this season). Come on back and we can do this."

3. If 'Bron does decide to leave, then they still have IT's Bird rights and a potential top pick. That's something to build around.