Brooklyn Nets Receive: F/C Kristaps Porzingis

Washington Wizards Receive: G/F Ben Simmons

With this simple swap, the Brooklyn Nets afford themselves a little more stability. Emphasis on “a little”.

Kristaps Porzingis’ 7’3, 240-pound frame lends itself to injury. His availability has been regularly compromised as a result. Still, if he’s physically able to play, he’ll be on the floor. That gives the Nets some assurance in comparison to Simmons’ confusingly linked mental and physical problems.

He may also improve their floor balance. Between Irving and Durant, the Nets may not actually need a non-shooting lead ball-handler like Simmons.

Porzingis gives them a floor-spacing big who aptly defends the rim. He’s a less dynamic offensive player, but he’s more portable. Irving and Durant can probably handle the offensive dynamism on their own.

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As for the Washington Wizards, they’re upping their risk and their potential reward with this deal. Still, if Simmons is ready to play, it could be a perfect situation for him. They’ve got the stretch big he needs in order to succeed in Thomas Bryant. They’ve got a platoon of 3-and-D wings.

Most importantly, they’ve got an ideal co-star in Beal who can operate off the ball, and relieve him on it.

In other words, they’ve got enough to offer the Nets an alternative package if they’re not interested in Porzingis.