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January 13, 2005
Troubled Times
The Newark Star Ledger: A recap of the Ratner reign.
July 16 — Kenyon Martin is shipped out to Denver in exchange for three draft picks.
July 29 — The fire sale continues, with the Nets sending Kerry Kittles to the Los Angeles Clippers for a second-round draft pick.
July 30 — Jason Kidd returns from vacation and is granted an immediate meeting with owner Bruce Ratner and president Rod Thorn, whom the point guard asks to explore trade possibilities.
Oct. 4 — During media day, Kidd and Alonzo Mourning contend that the Nets are no longer a playoff team, and Mourning publicly admits his desire to leave New Jersey.
Oct. 6 —Thorn confirms that Mourning has requested a buyout, but the two sides are $8 million apart in an agreement.
Oct. 7 — Mourning's agent, Jeff Wechsler, ratchets up the rhetoric and suggests that Nets fans should chant, "Let Zo Go."
Nov. 22 — Mourning challenges Ratner in front of his teammates, asking him for specific reasons why he purchased the team. It is the first in a series of setbacks, which include a torn finger tendon, an exhaustive road trip and John Thompson's assertion that the Nets center should retire.
Nov. 28 — The Nets lose their ninth straight game to fall to 2-11.
Dec. 18 — The Nets trade Mourning, Eric Williams, Aaron Williams and two draft picks to Toronto for Vince Carter, who makes his debut on Dec. 27 at Detroit.
Dec. 27 — Jefferson taken down by Chauncey Billups at Auburn Hills during a fast break, landing on his left wrist. He later identified this as the moment his ligament was ruptured.
Jan. 6 — Carter admits during a TNT interview that he didn't work as hard as he could while in Toronto, which creates a firestorm of criticism.
Jan. 11 — The Nets announce that Jefferson requires surgery on his left wrist and will be out for the season.
Posted by lumi at January 13, 2005 8:22 AM