Why The Brooklyn Nets Do The Deal

Any assessment of what the Brooklyn Nets may do this summer is muddied by uncertainty. As it stands, Kevin Durant’s trade request is still hanging in the air unfulfilled. 

Recently, reports are emerging that the Nets may enter the season with him and Kyrie Irving on the roster. Let’s assume they do and let’s assume each is actually willing to play. 

In that event, this deal should make them better. Simmons is the best player in this deal, but his inability to shoot as a lead ball-handler makes him an awkward fit. 

On the other hand, supposing they do end up moving Durant and Irving. If, as expected, they aim to stay competitive, it’s likely that Capela and Bogdanovic will be more complementary to whomever they bring in. 

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Meanwhile, if they look more like a rebuilding team, Johnson and a first-round pick may be more valuable to them. After all, they’ll be starting over – do they really want to build around Simmons?