Why The Brooklyn Nets Do The Deal

The Nets are preparing for a few different outcomes with this trade.

There’s a world where Ben Simmons is the focal point of their offense next season. If the Nets were to eventually accept a pick-focused package for Kevin Durant, that could be the case. If it were, McDermott and Collins both complement Simmons.

McDermott is a particularly good fit as an elite floor-spacer to pair with the non-shooting Simmons. With that said, Collins provides a modicum of shooting from the 5 spot as well. On the other hand, that’s not the only reason the Nets would make this deal.

They may also be re-tooling more than rebuilding. Say the Nets, hypothetically, flipped Durant for Donovan Mitchell (and additional pieces), they’re landing two players who compliment him as well. In fact, they’re landing two role players who will complement just about any star.

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Finally, they’re getting a first-round pick for Irving as well. The Nets cannot and will not get market value for Irving this summer, so given that fact, they’re at least getting some value back for him here.