Yeah this was the most interesting part. Also the confirmation that Deron was looking into moving from Utah and looking at other teams in All-Star is another solid proof that Deron wouldn't have stayed here.
I'm like 90% sure that AK was involved in this trade. Why? Because look at who the Nets got later that year- Gerald Wallace, a good defensive 3 which is what AK was. it's clear that this was a position they were lacking.
I'd be interested to see who we'd get back if Ak was also in the deal. Looking at the Nets roster at that time and the only trade chip I see is last year's pick which would've been $*&%(*ing huge! Essentially, we could've maybe gotten Lilliard for AK if you want to go all the way with my theories. My guess is that O Connor, at that time, didn't put a lot of value into the 2012 Nets pick because he might have seen them as playoff team especially in a super weak East.