Brooklyn Nets Receive: F Kyle Kuzma, G Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, F Corey Kispert
Washington Wizards Receive: G/F Ben Simmons
With this deal, the Brooklyn Nets shore up some much-needed depth. None of the pieces they acquire here have the potential to be as impactful as Simmons. In the aggregate, they could be better for the team.
The highlight of the package is obviously Kuzma. He took a significant step forward in 2021-22, upping his points per game from 12.9 to 17.1. He’s a good player, but his increased production was partly a consequence of a Beal injury. In all likelihood, he’s better suited for the slightly smaller role he’d play on the Nets.
Meanwhile, Caldwell-Pope is an archetypical 3-and-D wing. Every contending team needs a player or two of his ilk. He’d become a vital cog in this Nets machine.
Finally, Kispert was slightly underwhelming in his rookie campaign. He was supposed to be a three-point threat, but his 35.0% accuracy didn’t reflect as much. He’s still got a picture-perfect form that could result in a higher percentage throughout his career.
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When the Nets acquired Simmons, it wasn’t clear whether they really coveted him. James Harden had demanded a trade, and he wanted to go to Philly. Other teams would have been apprehensive to acquire him knowing his heart was elsewhere.
Still, with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving in tow, the Brooklyn Nets may not need a Simmons to contend for the title next year. Either of these packages should put them in a prime position to do exactly that.
