Brooklyn Nets Receive: F/C Kristaps Porzingis 

Washington Wizards Receive: G Kyrie Irving

Of course, drastic changes can’t always pull a team out of mediocrity. Consider that a testament to the immense difficulty involved in building an NBA contender. 

Just ask the Brooklyn Nets. They’ve made some of the most radical changes in the NBA over the last couple of years.

After their own era of perpetual mediocrity, they signed Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving in free agency. Following those massive moves, they traded a historic amount of draft capital to the Houston Rockets for James Harden. 

For all of that, the Nets didn’t have much to show for themselves in 2021-22. They finished with the seventh seed and a prompt first-round exit. All told, it was a painfully mediocre season. 

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kyrie Irving, Brooklyn Nets & Washington Wizards Updates

Eventually, Harden demanded a trade. Now, he’s a 76er. The Nets received Ben Simmons in return. Unfortunately, they don’t have a stretch big man on the roster to fully complement him. 

This deal lands them one. Is it worth the cost of Irving?