Ben Simmons never thought about requesting a trade from the Brooklyn Nets last season after Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving asked for trades. The Nets traded Durant to the Phoenix Suns and Irving to the Dallas Mavericks. Simmons told NBA reporter Marc J. Spears of Andscape that he loves Brooklyn.
“Out of Brooklyn? I love Brooklyn,” Simmons said. “I don’t have an issue with Brooklyn. For me, I want to get healthy. The only thing I could do was get healthy. I couldn’t complain about anything. I’m in a great city, a great organization, great owners, great coach, great GM [general manager]. It’s all good people around, and they want to win and do it the right way.
“Also, I don’t have specific teams I want to go to,” Simmons added. “This is a job. I’m not going to ask to be put somewhere specific, I just want to play. I got to be healthy to do this so, at the end of the day, I just got to get back right and get on the court.”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Ben Simmons, Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Brooklyn Nets Updates
Simmons only appeared in 42 games last season due to knee and back issues. He averaged 6.9 points, 6.3 rebounds and 6.1 assists. The Nets acquired Simmons from the Philadelphia 76ers in the blockbuster James Harden trade during the 2021-22 season. Simmons missed the entire 2021-22 season due to a holdout and back injury.
The first overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, Simmons has career averages of 14.7 points, 7.8 rebounds and 7.5 assists with the Sixers and Nets. The former Rookie of the Year will make $37.9 million next season.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Ben Simmons, Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Brooklyn Nets Updates
“Just the culture. I got my grandparents out there in the Bronx. Dad is from there. It’s just something about the city,” Simmons said. “Just the energy that New York comes with is just different. You’re able to move around. Everything is kind of close by. They say the driving is bad. I don’t think it is. I like driving in New York. Just the energy. The people outside going on their walks. When you step outside, you got to be doing something. So, that’s what I love. It’s like the opposite of Miami, but I get a kick out of both.”
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