Speculation is swirling about what the Brooklyn Nets are going to do with their roster this NBA offseason. After a disastrous 2021-22 campaign that saw their season end with a sweep at the hands of the Boston Celtics in the first round of the playoffs, changes will be made.
Figuring out what Kyrie Irving is going to do with his player option and then figuring out a long-term deal is the first hurdle to get over. Irving seemingly committed to the Nets following their Game 4 loss. But, that is something he has done previously, just ask the Celtics.
The Brooklyn Nets also had to decide if they want to move forward with Ben Simmons. Simmons was acquired from the Philadelphia 76ers, along with Seth Curry, Andre Drummond and two first-round picks, in exchange for James Harden and Paul Millsap.
Simmons ended up not playing in a game this season because of a herniated disk in his back and improving his mental health. He was expected to play in the series against the Celtics but the back injury flared up and he remained sidelined.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Utah Jazz Rapidly Approaching Time To End Mitchell, Gobert Era
If Brooklyn opts to flip him again, acquiring more assets to fill out the roster, no one would blame them. Simmons has immense talent, but the Nets are built to win now and if they don’t believe that he can help them accomplish that goal, they will look to move on from him.
There are plenty of teams that would have some interest in acquiring Ben Simmons despite missing the entire season. Could one of those teams be the Utah Jazz? Over at The Ringer, the Jazz was mentioned as a possible trade partner for the Nets in a deal centered around Simmons.
“Potential options are limited, but should be explored. One of my favorite hypotheticals is sending Simmons to Utah for Rudy Gobert. Danny Ainge was a big fan of Simmons in the 2016 draft. Donovan Mitchell and Simmons could make for a potent pick-and-roll duo, and Gobert would anchor Brooklyn’s defense. Gobert has his own offensive limitations but they’d be minimized with the shot-making of KD and Irving.”
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Utah Jazz Rapidly Approaching Time To End Mitchell, Gobert Era
The Brooklyn Nets have needed help in the middle since they parted ways with Jarrett Allen. Rudy Gobert would certainly fill that void and provide the team with an elite anchor defensively as the last line of defense.
Like Brooklyn, Utah should be looking to shake things up on their roster this offseason. They haven’t found success in the postseason and seem ready for a change. Donovan Mitchell has been a player mentioned in some trade rumors, but Utah should do everything they can to reshape the roster around him and retool. That way they can remain competitive and not go into a full teardown.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Utah Jazz Rapidly Approaching Time To End Mitchell, Gobert Era
A Simmons/Mitchell backcourt would be enjoyable as their strengths play off of each other well. It would also provide the Utah Jazz with some small-ball options they have been lacking, as that has been their undoing in recent years in the playoffs.
