An NBA career can change quickly. Players around the league don’t take anything for granted. One moment, you’re at the top. At the next, you’re washed up. We’ve seen this story play out time and time again.
With that said, it’s not often that it plays out as quickly as it has with Ben Simmons. One season, this was an All-NBA player. Unfortunately, Simmons has quickly declined since then.
Are injuries to blame? Is it a lack of confidence? We don’t know for sure. One thing is clear: if the Brooklyn Nets are going to get value for Simmons, they’ll have to attach draft capital to his deal. Could they send him to the Toronto Raptors?
The Trade Proposal
Brooklyn Nets Receive: G/F Gary Trent Jr., F/C Chris Boucher, F Otto Porter Jr.
Toronto Raptors Receive: F/C Ben Simmons, 2025 First-Round Pick (PHX via BKN), 2027 First-Round Pick (PHI via BKN)
Draft nerds will remember Simmons as a prospect. If they told you that they expected this, they were lying. That’s not to say that everyone was high on Simmons. His lack of a jump shot was a talking point. Still, this exact career arch was impossible to predict.
Has Simmons been a “bust”? That would be a bold claim. This is a player who has made an All-NBA team. Has he lived up to expectations? That would be a difficult sell as well.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Ben Simmons, Toronto Raptors & Brooklyn Nets Updates
Simmons should still be producing like a star. His sudden decline in production will impact his legacy – unless he makes a comeback. Should the Raptors gamble on that possibility?
Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
In all fairness, that’s not exactly what the Raptors are doing here. At the same time, a comeback would serve them well. There’s a (remote) world where the Raptors get the best player in this deal and draft capital. That could be one of the great trades in their organizational history.
Let’s assume it doesn’t happen. For argument’s sake, let’s assume Simmons’ career doesn’t get back on track. This is still a good deal.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Ben Simmons, Toronto Raptors & Brooklyn Nets Updates
After all, the Raptors are picking up two first-round picks here. We’re also assuming that, if they made this deal, theyre rebuilding. If the Raptors trade Pascal Siakam in addition to making this deal, they could bring in a haul of draft capital this summer. Should the Nets contribute to that haul?
Why The Brooklyn Nets Do The Deal
Meanwhile, the Nets are in an interesting place. This team is built to be competitive, but they probably aren’t built to contend. The Nets have a deep roster. They’ve also got a number of strong defensive players. On the other hand, theyre missing an elite offensive player to carry them.
Does this deal bring one in? No. Instead, this deal has the Nets leaning on their strengths. They’d be bolstering their depth by flipping Simmons for three quality rotation players.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Ben Simmons, Toronto Raptors & Brooklyn Nets Updates
In fact, Trent Jr. would arguably be the best guard on this roster. Meanwhile, Boucher brings an element of spacing at the 5 spot that the Nets don’t currently have. Unless, of course, his career changes in an instant. That can happen.
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