Brooklyn Nets

The Brooklyn Nets are involved in a ton of trade rumors right now following Kevin Durant’s request to be dealt. That is where all of their focus is right now, and rightfully so. A deal for Kyrie Irving likely wouldn’t be far off after that.

One of the potential hold-ups in some discussions involving Durant is Ben Simmons. Teams are allowed two Designated Rookies on their roster, but because he was acquired in a trade, the Brooklyn Nets cannot acquire another one, such as Bam Adebayo of the Miami Heat, in another deal.

As a result, Brooklyn could entertain offers that involve Simmons. The Indiana Pacers were one of the teams that showed interest in him when the Philadelphia 76ers first took trade calls on him and could be interested once again.

Myles Turner, combined with Buddy Hield, which has been a popular trade package on the rumor mill, would head to the Brooklyn Nets. Indiana would get Simmons and one of the 2023 first-round picks that Brooklyn owns, whether it is via the 76ers, Houston Rockets or Utah Jazz.

LATEST NBA NEWS AND RUMORS: Los Angeles Lakers, Indiana Pacers Trade Talks For Buddy Hield, Myles Turner ‘Dead’

Indiana would get a look at Simmons, who has the potential to be one of the best players in the league with his combination of skills and size. Looking to contend whether they have Durant and Irving or not, the Brooklyn Nets get two very good rotation players that they know what they will get from.

The same cannot be said for Simmons, who has not played in an NBA game since the Atlanta Hawks eliminated the 76ers in the second round of the 2021 NBA Postseason.