Why It Makes Sense For Brooklyn Nets

Salary relief and two future first-round picks isn’t a bad return for Ben Simmons — a precarious project who’s yet to appear in a game for Brooklyn — whom Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving are accustomed to playing without anyways.

Even in the worst-case scenario, Russell Westbrook’s contract comes off of the books after the 2022-2023 season, freeing up nearly $50 million for the Brooklyn Nets.

Westbrook could theoretically thrive in Brooklyn, surrounded by shooters and playing next to a superstar that knows how to coexist with his rash and ball-dominant style.

With how often Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant tend to miss games, there could be a benefit to having a durable guard like Westbrook that could take on a heavier usage load when needed.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: This Lakers-Pistons Trade Sends Jerami Grant To Los Angeles

With Ben Simmons, the Nets would have had to try to make a non-shooting threat ball handler work anyway. While there’s a significant difference in defensive impact, the difference in salary could be appealing if there is any unease about Simmons’ long-term.