After losing in the NBA final two straight years, the New Jersey Nets spent about $130 million (U.S.) last summer trying to guarantee another title shot.

The big outlay assured that all-star point guard Jason Kidd would continue running the team and Alonzo Mourning would join the team, giving coach Byron Scott a big man in the middle.

What the money didn't guarantee was health, luck, stability, nor another trip to the final.