How This Trade Impacts Brooklyn Nets
From the Brooklyn Nets’ perspective, this hypothetical trade would likely be a pipe dream. They have no idea what they have in Ben Simmons, as he was unable to get onto the court at any point this season.
Brooklyn’s needs are clear heading into the offseason. If they are going to run it back with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, they need to find more defensive-minded players. In theory, Simmons is a perfect fit for that, as he offers incredible versatility on that end of the court. His playmaking also would seemingly be a good fit as he could get them into a position to score.
However, the more that the ball is in Simmons’ hands, the less it would be in the hands of Durant and Irving. The Nets know what they would be getting from Rudy Gobert, as his rim-running ability would open things up for them offensively as well.
Teams would be put into scrambling situations if Brooklyn showed more of a willingness than the Utah Jazz did to throw the ball into Gobert when he has mismatches.
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Defensively, Gobert is the perfect complement to what the Nets need. He has spent years erasing Utah’s shortcomings on that end of the court and would do the same in Brooklyn. Gobert is an elite defender and rim protector, something the Nets desperately need more of.
Knowing Gobert is there as the last line of defense is reassuring for players. The Nets are surrendering a first-round pick in this scenario, but it is a worthwhile concession to pay. They know what they would be getting in Gobert, while Utah would be taking a huge risk on a wild card.
