Why The Brooklyn Nets Do The Deal

The Nets do this deal to diversify their roster. Partly, they’re investing in the idea that Ben Simmons will be healthy and available in 2022-23.

If so, the Nets may have a lead ball-handler. At the right price, that could render Irving expendable. Is Anthony Davis the right price for the Nets?

It’s difficult to say. We know that Simmons is maximized with a stretch big man spacing the floor for him. In the modern NBA, there’s only room for one non-shooter in a starting lineup. Davis’ 16.9% accuracy from distance does not inspire hope from that point of view.

By the same token, he’s generally had a better hit rate than that throughout his career. The Nets could chalk his poor percentages up to lingering injuries. If he returns to his typical form in 2022-23, he and Simmons should be at least a viable pairing.

LATEST NBA NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: 3 Trade Packages To Send Los Angeles Lakers’ Anthony Davis To Brooklyn Nets

When you factor in their combined defensive abilities, they could be more than that. Will the Lakers be willing to risk watching Davis return to his dominant self in a different uniform just to acquire Irving?