Brooklyn Nets receive: Jakob Poeltl, Doug McDermott, Devin Vassell, 2022 First-Round Pick (SAS), 2024 First-Round Pick (SAS)
San Antonio Spurs receive: Ben Simmons
With this trade, the Brooklyn Nets sacrifice top-end talent in pursuit of depth. They’re gambling that Simmons’ availability will continue to waiver. This trade would be of great value for them in that event.
In a way, it brings them back full circle. They’ll be trotting out lineups featuring Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and a functional cast of role players on a nightly basis. That’s what we all expected from them before they made a move for James Harden.
The pieces they’re receiving here will all make instant contributors. Poeltl is a fantastic defensive big. McDermott is one of the league’s best floor-spacing forwards.
Meanwhile, Vassell, at 21, gives them a young player with tremendous upside.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 2 Trade Packages To Send Pacers’ Malcolm Brogdon To Spurs
Additionally, they’re receiving two first-round picks for Simmons as well. This could be an appealing package but on the other hand, it may not be enough. Simmons is still a star, at least in name. They may insist on a starrier return for him.
In that event, the San Antonio Spurs could offer them a different package.
