At times, an NBA player’s career can get derailed. Nobody likes to see it, but it happens. All sorts of factors can cause an NBA player’s career to start heading south.
Take Ben Simmons of the Brooklyn Nets. At one time, this was an All-NBA caliber player. Simmons was arguably the best defensive player in the NBA, and one of the league’s headiest passers as well. Somewhere along the line, his career got derailed. Now, we’re left wondering if Simmons is going to have another meaningful NBA season.
The cause of Simmons’ decline is a bit complicated. A combination of physical and mental factors seems to be holding him back. By contrast, there’s no ambiguity about Lonzo Ball’s decline – injuries are to blame. He just can’t seem to stay healthy. Should the Bulls flip him for Simmions?
The Trade Proposal
Brooklyn Nets receive: G Lonzo Ball, G/F Alex Caruso, G Jevon Carter
Chicago Bulls receive: F/C Ben Simmons, 2025 First-Round Pick (PHX via BKN)
Neither of these players is old. It’s too early to give up on either of them – as fans. Organizations operate differently. They need to decide when to cut their losses.
Could Simmons turn his career around? Absolutely. He could return to his previous form. Alternatively, he could find a new role. Simmons’ defense is likely to travel as long as his body is right. We could see him as a full-time 5, operating as a pick-and-roll finisher on offense and a switch big on the defensive end. At the same time, the possibility that Simmons’ career is effectively done must loom over the Nets.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Ben Simmons, Brooklyn Nets & Chicago Bulls Updates
As for Ball? It’s all about health. He’s due for surgery soon – here’s hoping it’s successful. When healthy, Ball is one of the best 3-and-D guards in the NBA – and a smart playmaker in his own right. Should the Bulls really move him before he has a chance to get right?
Why The Chicago Bulls Do The Deal
For the Bulls, this is a gamble. It all rests on Simmons. If he can make a comeback, they could win this trade by a landslide. They’d be getting the best player in the deal and the only first-round pick involved in the trade.
Why? Well, the Bulls are getting compensated for taking on a long-term, potentially toxic contract here. Let’s assume that Simmons’ days as an impact player are done. The Bulls would be effectively flipping Caruso for an unprotected first. Is that a good deal for this organization?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Ben Simmons, Brooklyn Nets & Chicago Bulls Updates
We think so. The Bulls fell well short of expectations last year. This deal helps them move towards a rebuild. At worst, this is a fine deal for Chicago. At best, it could be something much better than that. Should the Nets really risk losing this deal?
Why The Brooklyn Nets Do The Deal
The Nets are in a bit of a unique position as an organization. This team has one of the best collections of draft capital in the NBA. With that said, they don’t control their own draft. The Houston Rockets own their first-round picks, whether outright or via swap, through to 2027.
So, the Nets have no incentive to tank. They should put the best group that they can together ahead of the 2023-24 season. From that perspective, the Nets can’t afford to wait and see on Simmons. This deal has them upgrading their roster. Caruso, as it currently stands, is the most impactful player in this trade.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Ben Simmons, Brooklyn Nets & Chicago Bulls Updates
Meanwhile, Ball’s expiring contract should appeal to them – as should getting off of Simmons’ deal. This team just gave Cameron Johnson a lucrative extension, and next summer, they’ll have to make a decision on Nicolas Claxton. This deal cleans their books up in a major way. Meanwhile, if the Nets like the progress they’re seeing from Ball, they can look into adding him on a smaller deal next summer – don’t rule that possibility out either.
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