LogFAQs > #966235876

Pierce/Garnett was a trade involving mid-30s players where the Nets mortaged their future and it took a long time to recover.

Irving/Durant were effectively free agent signings (Durant might have been a sign-and-trade involving D'Angelo Russell), and while they did trade for Harden, they did recoup assets when they flipped him to Philly.

Irving/Durant era was less successful but should not have the disastrous aftermath and opportunity costs of the Pierce/Garnett era.