So, the new owners didn't want one of the top 3 players in the NBA in his prime that just lead the team to the NBA Finals? That makes no sense and the lopsided trade makes even less sense. If you don't want to max sign him, then fine go get a bounty on the open market for the guy. Instead, it was done in a clandestine manner all hush hush to his buddy in LA at bargain basement discount. It reeks of either total incompetence or mental illness.
All indications are that this was all Nico and he sold his nonsense "defense wins championships" vision to the newbie owners. Great players win championships in the NBA.