Brooklyn Nets Receive: F Julius Randle, G Alec Burks

New York Knicks Receive: G/F Ben Simmons

Before you react to this trade, ask yourself a simple question: why not?

The New York Knicks need a point guard. Simmons, for all of his unconventional qualities, has some of the best passing vision in the league. He’s also two years younger than Randle. If he manages to get his physical and mental health together, he could be a cornerstone for this franchise.

As for the Brooklyn Nets, Randle is a better fit alongside Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving than Simmon is. His three-point shooting may be inconsistent, but Simmons is a total non-shooter. Randle can provide a semblance of complimentary help while taking over a primary option when the other two stars need a rest.

Alec Burks is a contract-matcher, but he is a solid utility piece for the Nets. They’re probably downgrading in terms of pure talent, but the fit upgrade could be worth that cost for a team with such a firm win-now mandate.

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On the other hand, the Knicks are conceding that Randle isn’t a franchise player, and acquiring a player they hope can be. For all of his flaws, Simmons is the most purely talented player in this deal.