Making the Case: Brooklyn Nets
Again – Ben Simmons has not played a single game for the Brooklyn Nets. This trade would mean the team essentially adds Gordon Hayward and PJ Washington for nothing.
The addition of those two players would boost the Nets back to championship contender status. Hayward provides an elite third option on offense. The forward can make unselfish passes to Irving or Durant, or feed off of their defensive attention with driving scores and threes.
Washington, meanwhile, fills a significant hole in the Nets’ rotation. Brooklyn tried a lot of answers at the five slot: Drummond, Claxton, Griffin, Aldridge.
Though Claxton and Drummond played well enough to warrant a return to the rotation, they still are missing a five who can space the floor – other than when Kevin Durant is slotted there.
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The addition of Washington and Hayward brings on-court improvement, added depth, and increased rotational versatility. The Nets would have enough depth to play big, play small, play with a traditional rim-running big, or play a modern five-out style.
It’s possible Simmons would have become the Brooklyn Nets’ new center – but he doesn’t bring any floor spacing. The addition of Washington and Hayward would open things up for Brooklyn on offense.
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Simmons’ tenure in Brooklyn would be short-lived in this scenario, but he would net them a great return on the way out.
