How This Trade Impacts Brooklyn Nets
The Brooklyn Nets ceiling is unknown right now as no one knows how the pieces currently on the roster will fit together. With Ben Simmons not playing a single minute last season, there is certainly a level of risk seeing how things will play out.
If they don’t believe that the pieces will fit or no longer have confidence in Simmons being the missing piece, they could look to flip him for multiple players. The uncertainty surrounding him could be enough for them to make a trade and bring in players they know what kind of production to expect.
Will Barton would provide the team with another player capable of wearing numerous hats. He can be a secondary playmaker and succeeds off the ball with his 3-point shooting offensively. On defense, he can defend a few different positions.
Kyle Kuzma came into his own with the Wizards. He can succeed in any role offensively as he has experience playing off of star players, which he would be tasked with in Brooklyn. Or, he can be the focal point of the offensive attack. His improvements defensively and strong rebounding make him a good fit for their frontcourt.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Ben Simmons, Brooklyn Nets & Washington Wizards Updates
Rui Hachimura would be a wild card for the Nets. With no draft compensation included, he could be used as a sweetener. Only 24 years old, he is certainly young enough to unlock another level or two of his game.
The Nets are also in a position to save a ton of money with this trade. Barton and Hachimura are both on expiring deals; Barton will be an unrestricted free agent and Hachimura could be a restricted one. Kuzma has a player option for the 2023-24 season that he is likely to decline, especially if he continues to perform at the level he did last season.
