Why The Brooklyn Nets Do The Deal 

Of course, as rough as the 2021-22 season was for the Nets, this summer could have gone worse. 

Kevin Durant has rescinded his trade request. Once he did, Nets fans breathed such a collective sigh of relief that it could be heard outside of the borough. Still, questions about this team persist. 

How to maximize Ben Simmons is one of the most pressing ones. Getting him a big man who can shoot feels like a great start towards doing so.

With Porzingis, Simmons may be able to function as a lead ball-handler in half-court sets. As it stands, it’s difficult to imagine what he’ll do when the ball is in Kyrie Irving’s extremely capable hands. 

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

Of course, there is a risk here. Specifically, the Nets could alienate Durant all over again by trading Irving. At the same time, we don’t know the exact nature of that dynamic. If Durant truly is attached to Irving, this should be a non-starter for Brooklyn. 

If he isn’t, it’s something they’d have to entertain. Ultimately, it gives them a much more cohesive roster. What does it do for the Wizards?