Brooklyn Nets Receive: C Kristaps Porzingis, F Kyle Kuzma
Washington Wizards Receive: G Kyrie Irving, F Joe Harris
For the Brooklyn Nets, this trade is all about maximizing Ben Simmons.
Realistically, they’re not presently designed to do so. As a non-spacing lead ball-handler, Simmons likely needs a stretch big man to space the floor for him. With all due respect to his storied career, LaMarcus Aldridge may not cut the mustard in 2022.
Kristaps Porzingis fits the bill. The Nets will also be happy to land Kyle Kuzma in this deal. They’d also have to in order to pull the trigger here. For all of his flaws, Kyrie Irving is the best player in this package. Joe Harris, when healthy, is one of the league’s best floor-spacers. The Washington Wizards have to sweeten the pot if they’re interested in Irving.
Which, for the record, we wouldn’t blame them for not being. On the other hand, he and Bradley Beal would instantly give them one of the best backcourts in the NBA.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Best & Worst Free Agency Landing Spots For Brooklyn Nets Star Kyrie Irving
If Irving is entering 2022-23 with something to prove, no matter which team he’s suiting up for, this trade could make the Wizards more relevant than they’ve been in some time.
If the Nets think it could do the same for them, this could be a real possibility this summer.
