Washington Wizards Receive: F/C Ben Simmons, G/F Cam Thomas,  2025 First-Round Pick (PHX via BKN), 2027 First-Round Pick (PHI via BKN), 2028 First-Round Pick (BKN), 2029 First-Round Pick (DAL via PHI) 

Brooklyn Nets Receive: G Bradley Beal 

On average, trade value doesn’t fluctuate like Simmons’. That doesn’t mean that it typically stagnates, either. 

Sometimes, it gradually declines. This is the line that NBA teams need to walk.

Nobody wants to move a star prematurely, but hanging onto one for too long can be a problem in its own right. 

Look at the Wizards and Beal. This team has appeared stuck for a long time. If they’d traded Beal a few years ago, they would have gotten a haul for him. 

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Bradley Beal, Brooklyn Nets & Washington Wizards Updates

Now, his value has declined. Sure, the Wizards are getting four first-round picks here – but they’ve got to absorb Simmons’ contract in order to do it. 

Should they?