Grading the Brooklyn Nets’ Return
Obviously the Nets would have loved to see their All-Star trio of Harden, Durant and Irving work out and win a title, especially given that they invested three first-round picks, four pick swaps, Caris LeVert, Jarrett Allen and others into James Harden, but it never really seemed like this marriage was going to work.
From Day 1 he was in Brooklyn, James Harden always seemed uncomfortable and the biggest thing about bringing in Harden was that somebody had to sacrifice production out of their trio. Ultimately, this person was James Harden, and I truly do not believe that this sat well with him, which resulted in the trade to the 76ers.
Kevin Durant is good enough to lead the Brooklyn Nets deep into the playoffs by himself, which he did last season with Irving and Harden going down with injuries, and after making this trade with the 76ets today, the Nets have everything they need to chase a title this season.
Whoa, hold on a second, did I just say the Nets are better without James Harden?
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Harden To Opt In $47.3M Player Option After Sixers Trade
Yes, yes I did!
The reason the Nets are better without James Harden is because they now have a key replacement shooter for Joe Harris, who is out with an ankle injury, in Seth Curry, and they also received a three-time All-Star and two-time All-Defensive player in Ben Simmons, who happens to only be 25-years-old.
Bringing in Simmons is definitely a risk for the Nets to take, but it is a necessary one given that Ben Simmons wants a fresh start and fits in perfectly next to Kevin Durant. Brooklyn can allow the young superstar to play freely and not have to worry about fitting into a certain mold, especially since Kevin Durant is arguably the best pure scorer in the NBA when healthy.
The addition of Seth Curry is being severely overlooked by many and acquiring Andre Drummond should send a message that the Nets are not done making moves just yet!
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: James Harden To Opt In $47.3M Player Option After Sixers Trade
They could still look to move Nicolas Claxton before the trade deadline and gather more assets both now and in a few weeks when players begin to get bought out of their contracts.
I love this trade for the Nets and I would not be shocked to see these two teams matchup in the playoffs with Brooklyn coming out on top.
GRADE: A-
