Why The Brooklyn Nets Do The Deal 

Of course, the Nets’ success probably doesn’t hinge on Irving. In all likelihood, it rests on Kyrie Irving. 

As it stands, he’s serving a suspension for promoting an anti-Semitic film. The team has given him six requirements to meet before they’ll allow him to return to basketball. If he doesn’t meet them, the Nets have problems that won’t have a short-term solution. 

By contrast, if they do get Irving back, this season should still be salvageable. He and Kevin Durant have too much combined talent to continue playing at this level. Realistically, the Nets just need to surround the pair with some quality role players. 

Role players like, for example, Tim Hardaway Jr. Granted, his three-point shooting has been ineffective this year, but he’s coming off a season-long injury – in all likelihood, he’ll return to form.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Ben Simmons, Brooklyn Nets & Dallas Mavericks Updates

Meanwhile, the opportunity to get some draft capital should be very tempting for a team that’s currently lacking in that department. 

Should the Mavericks give so much up for Simmons?