Sometimes, you’ve got to take a risk. It may not work out, but if you don’t try, you’ll never know. Sometimes, NBA teams need to take that into account as well. If a certain risk pays off, it could benefit them tremendously.
The Brooklyn Nets took a risk on Ben Simmons. It was a costly one. In the end, they received Simmons and some draft capital in exchange for James Harden. That is not on track to prove a good risk. Simmons’ production has rapidly declined from the moment that he joined the Nets.
If they wanted to trade him now, they wouldn’t get nearly the same return. Simmons is seen as a negative value contract. The Nets would likely have to attach draft capital to his deal in order to move him. Any team acquiring him is taking a risk. Could that team be the Chicago Bulls?
The Trade Proposal
Brooklyn Nets Receive: G Lonzo Ball, G/F Alex Caruso, G Jevon Carter
Chicago Bulls Receive: F/C Ben Simmons, 2027 First-Round Pick (Top 8 Protected – PHI via BKN)
With that said, the NBA is a risky business. Players can get hurt before anybody expects it. That can change the trajectory of a player’s career in a permanent way. Hopefully, that doesn’t happen to Lonzo Ball.
At the moment, it isn’t looking good. Ball didn’t play last year. He’s not expected to play this year. When we last saw him healthy, Ball was on track to have a long, meaningful NBA career. Now, his future is in jeopardy. Call it an occupational hazard.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Ben Simmons, Brooklyn Nets & Chicago Bulls Updates
Injuries have played a role in Simmons’ decline as well. Still, some have speculated that there’s more at play. It could be a combination of physical and mental health problems that have caused Simmons to decline. Should the Bulls really take a risk on him?
Why The Chicago Bulls Do The Deal
Why not? At this point, we’re not sure what the Bulls are doing. This team should probably rebuild, but they don’t seem to have any intention of doing so. With that in mind, taking a gamble on Simmons could be smart.
After all, Ball won’t be playing. Next summer, he’s due for free agency. It’s safe to assume that Lonzo Ball will never play another game in a Bulls uniform. Yes, losing Caruso stings. Still, there’s a remote chance that Simmons will regain his form. If he does, he’s a better player than Caruso ever will be. That’s the risk that the Bulls are taking here.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Ben Simmons, Brooklyn Nets & Chicago Bulls Updates
They’re being compensated for that risk accordingly. If the Bulls are rebuilding, having an extra first-round pick at their disposal will be very beneficial. Should the Nets send them that first-round pick?
Why The Brooklyn Nets Do The Deal
The Bulls are in a better position to take a gamble on Simmons. If he doesn’t return to form, and they decline accordingly, they’ll have a lottery pick to show for their troubles. By contrast, the Nets could risk sending one directly to the Houston Rockets.
So, the Nets have no incentive to tank. They need to improve as a team, not regress. The Nets should play it safe. That’s what they’re doing here. Caruso may not have the All-NBA impact of prime Simmons, but he’s one of the best defensive guards in the NBA. He’ll make the Nets a better team immediately.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Ben Simmons, Brooklyn Nets & Chicago Bulls Updates
For that matter, so will Carter. Still, and perhaps most significantly, the Nets are getting significant cap relief here. They’re moving off of Simmons’ contract and taking back an expiring deal in Ball. That’s a good decision for them – after all, some risks are best avoided.
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