Brooklyn Nets Receive: F Gordon Hayward, C Mason Plumlee
Charlotte Hornets Receive: G/F Ben Simmons
When the Brooklyn Nets traded James Harden in exchange for Ben Simmons and draft capital, they probably did not expect that in the aggregate, they’d be trading him for Gordon Hayward and Mason Plumlee.
Life comes at you fast in the National Basketball Association.
This package still makes the Nets a significantly better team than a sidelined Simmons. Hayward is prone to injury himself, but there’s no ambiguity surrounding his desire to play.
He was limited to 49 games in 2021-22, but he was impactful when he did suit up. He gives the Nets a tertiary playmaker who spaces the floor well for incumbent stars Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: This Knicks-Nets Trade Features Ben Simmons To NYC
Meanwhile, Mason Plumlee strengthens their center depth. He may not be a superstar, but he’s a solid utility player. Centers with his ability to pass and defend in space are hard to come by. His addition may even allow the Nets to explore sign-and-trade options with restricted free agent Nic Claxton to find more upgrades.
If Hayward and Plumlee don’t interest the Brooklyn Nets, the Charlotte Hornets may have one more combination of players to offer them.