Atlanta Hawks Receive: G/F Ben Simmons

Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G Kyrie Irving, F Joe Harris

Brooklyn Nets Receive: G Russell Westbrook, F John Collins, G Bogdan Bogdanovic

We saved the best for last. This is a full-blown, internet-breaking blockbuster. There’s a lot to unpack here, so strap in.

The Nets may be in trouble. Apparently, they’re apprehensive about signing Kyrie Irving to a long-term deal. With all of his unexcused absences over recent years, that’s understandable. It’s still suboptimal.

Meanwhile, Ben Simmons, whether his own fault or otherwise, has been equally unreliable. With this deal, the Nets scrap the whole project and start over. They’re reuniting Westbrook and Durant, but that’s mostly incidental. Collins and Bogdanovic are the real appeals here.

As for the Atlanta Hawks, their interest in Simmons was heavily rumored leading up to last season’s deadline. With this deal, they finally get their man.

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Finally, the Lakers will hope that LeBron James is the one man meant to lead Kyrie Irving. This trade is all about reunions. The entire balance of the Lakers’ season will hinge on this one working out for the better.