One NBA writer is proposing that the San Antonio Spurs acquire Ben Simmons from the Brooklyn Nets in a bold trade. Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report proposed the following trade idea between the Spurs and Nets:
The Trade: Ben Simmons, a 2025 second-round pick (protected for picks 31-37), a 2026 second-round pick and a 2027 first-round pick (top-eight protected, via PHI) to the San Antonio Spurs for Devonte’ Graham, Doug McDermott and Reggie Bullock
“If the Nets want out of the Simmons business for good, they might find a willing taker in the Spurs,” Buckley wrote in his latest NBA trade column. “San Antonio has both the financial flexibility to take on his contract and maybe the perfect player to help him thrive in Victor Wembanyama, whose ability to stretch the floor and create on the perimeter as a 7’5” big could widen lanes for Simmons to attack.
“In return, the Nets would fetch a trio of usable veterans to keep or flip in future deals. Graham is a serviceable shooter and decision-maker, McDermott is one of the Association’s most accurate marksmen (career 41 percent from range), and Bullock has been a reliable three-and-D wing.”
During an interview with NBA reporter Marc J. Spears of Andscape, Simmons said he’s feeling healthy and ready to “dominate” next season. The lefty 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.
“For me to come back and dominate people will be great,” Simmons said. “I don’t intend to come back the same player I was last [season], because that’s not even close to where I am. I get excited because I’m like, ‘Damn, I would [expletive] on the player I was last year.’ But I know where I was at last year, so it’s easy to say that. But it’s just fun to go and do the thing that you love when you’re out there. That’s really it for me. I don’t really ask for too much.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Ben Simmons, San Antonio Spurs, Brooklyn Nets Updates
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. He was projected to be one of the faces of the NBA just a few years ago after winning the 2017-18 Rookie of the Year Award and making three All-Star teams, one All-NBA team and two All-Defensive teams with the Sixers.
However, Simmons never developed a jumper and he’s now considered one of the most overrated players in the NBA. In 317 games with the Sixers and Nets, Simmons has made only five 3-pointers. The LSU product signed a massive five-year, $177.2 million maximum rookie contract extension with Philadelphia in 2019. Simmons, 27, will make $37.9 million next season.
“I’m excited because I know I can do it,” Simmons said. “So, that’s the exciting part for me. [Last Thursday] night, I’m like, ‘Yo, let’s get back in the gym.’ I’m excited. I get to do something I love to do at a high level. Regardless of what people say, I’m a three-time All-Star, All-NBA player, [All-] Defensive Team. I’ve done things. I’m not somebody that hasn’t done anything.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Ben Simmons, San Antonio Spurs, Brooklyn Nets Updates
The first overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, Simmons has career averages of 14.7 points, 7.8 rebounds and 7.5 assists. It will be fascinating to see how he plays next season and if the Nets keep him for the entire campaign.
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