If you haven’t noticed, NBA contracts are big. They’re huge. To non-fans, they’re impossible to justify. On the other hand, if you love the league, you probably understand why they’re reasonable.
After all, the owners will always make more. Ideally, players are paid in relation to the revenue that they generate. The money has to go somewhere- why shouldn’t it go to the people generating it? NBA players, by virtue of how markets work, deserve the money that they make.
That’s not to say that some players aren’t overpaid. At times, players receive contracts that outweigh their value to their current team. Ben Simmons of the Brooklyn Nets is an especially popular example. Gordon Hayward of the Charlotte Hornets is another. Could they end up getting traded for each other?
The Trade Proposal
Charlotte Hornets Receive: F/C Ben Simmons, 2027 First-Round Pick (PHX via BKN)
Brooklyn Nets Receive: F Gordon Hayward, G/F Cody Martin
Meanwhile, the average annual value of a contract isn’t the only consideration that teams take into account. They also look at the length of a deal. A long-term deal can be problematic for a team in any situation.
On the other hand, an expiring contract can hold tremendous value for some teams. If a team has a player they’d like to extend, they may need to clear some cap space. Keeping a core together can get expensive. If a player’s extension is on the horizon, clearing cap space can be invaluable for a team.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Gordon Hayward, Charlotte Hornets & Brooklyn Nets Updates
With that in mind, Nic Claxton’s extension is forthcoming. This was a Defensive Player of the Year candidate in 2022-23” Claxton won’t come cheap. If the Nets are going to extend him, they may have to move Simmons’ contract. Is this the right way to do it?
Why The Brooklyn Nets Do The Deal
One thing is clear: the Nets are going to have to make a decision about Claxton soon. If they’re not going to extend him next summer, they should trade him this year. By contrast, if they’re going to extend him, they’ll have to move off of Simmons to avoid the second apron of the luxury tax.
We like the second option better. Claxton is one of the most versatile defensive big men in the NBA. He’s also young enough to improve. The Nets shouldn’t let him walk. With that in mind, they ought to seek a trade for Simmons. If they can find a useful player in return for him, that would be a huge bonus.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Gordon Hayward, Charlotte Hornets & Brooklyn Nets Updates
Here, they’re landing one. Hayward may not be the star player that he used to be, but he’s still a solid offensive weapon. Hayward can make plays for his teammates and space the floor. The Nets should be happy to land him – and his expiring contract. Should the Hornets give him up?
Why The Charlotte Hornets Do The Deal
By contrast, the Hornets don’t have as many concerns about the cap as the Nets do. LaMelo Ball is already extended. Brandon Miller is a rookie who won’t need an extension until after Simmons’ deal expires. Even Mark Williams will be on his rookie deal by the time Simmons comes off the books.
Could this make life more difficult in terms of signing Miles Bridges next summer? Perhaps. Still, we don’t know how Bridges will even look next year. The Hornets shouldn’t plan around him. Meanwhile, it’s been rumored that Hayward is looking for a change of scenery in the first place.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Gordon Hayward, Charlotte Hornets & Brooklyn Nets Updates
So, flipping him for a first-round pick makes sense – even if it means taking on Simmons’ contract. It will expire in a couple of years, and the Hornets will have a first-round pick to show for it. If they’re lucky, they’ll use that pick on a player who’ll be worth a lot of money down the road.
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