Dallas Mavericks

Brooklyn Nets Receive: G/F Tim Hardaway Jr., F Davis Bertans, 2025 First-Round Pick (Lottery Protected – DAL) 

Dallas Mavericks Receive: G/F Ben Simmons 

In fact, a recent rumor suggested that the Nets had spoken to a Western Conference team about a trade that would send them Simmons in exchange for a “veteran shooter.” Expect that to be a theme here. 

Granted, Hardaway Jr. hasn’t fit that bill in 2022-23. Following a return from injury, his three-point efficiency has been ghastly. Why should the Nets be interested in him? 

Well, we’d expect that trend to change. Hardaway Jr. has been a reliable sniper for his whole career – he’s probably just shaking off the rust.

Meanwhile, this deal has the Nets getting off of Simmons’ contract and landing a first-round pick that’s likely to convey. Even if neither Hardaway Jr. nor Bertans is a significant contributor for them, that’s good value for Simmons. 

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Meanwhile, the Dallas Mavericks could use a secondary ball-handler. Moreover, they’ve got a stretch big man to complement Simmons in Christian Wood. The fact that Simmons’ elite defense can offset Wood’s limitations in that area makes this a good all-around match. 

After all, it matters a lot less if a player won’t shoot when everyone around him is willing to.