Brooklyn Nets Receive: F Aaron Gordon, G/F Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, 2029 First-Round Pick (DEN)

Denver Nuggets Receive: G/F Ben Simmons

Some say that the best ability is availability. It’s true: if a player can’t suit up, he can’t contribute, no matter how talented he may be. 

There was a real temptation to propose a Ben Simmons for Michael Porter Jr. trade here. Ultimately, we decided that Porter Jr.’s injury concerns were too significant for the Nets to gamble on. 

Granted, Simmons’ availability has been similarly limited in recent years. On the other hand, that seems to be due to a combination of psychological and physical reasons. We’re not saying those concerns are valid: they are. They just feel more manageable than a back issue that’s been plaguing Porter Jr. since his pre-draft scouting reports. 

If the Nets traded for Porter Jr., only for him to get hurt again, they’d have traded Simmons for nothing. That’s not a risk this win-now club can afford to take.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Ben Simmons, Brooklyn Nets & Denver Nuggets Updates

After all, they nearly fell apart this summer as it stands. The Nets need to keep Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving satisfied at all costs. 

Should this deal accomplish that goal?