Teams are taking stock of their circumstances as the NBA’s preseason gets underway. Some teams have a clear outlook for the year. Perhaps they’re contending and they’ll only be interested in win-now moves. On the other end of the spectrum, some rebuilding teams are more likely to move their impact veterans as the year gets underway.
With that said, some teams have a slightly less clear outlook. Take the Brooklyn Nets. Nobody is factoring them into the title picture. Yet, the Nets don’t own their pick in the next draft. They have no incentive to lose. Meanwhile, this team does have a solid roster that the addition of a strong offensive player could enhance.
What about the New Orleans Pelicans? They’d surely like to be in the title picture. If Zion Williamson can stay healthy, that isn’t inconceivable. Still, the Pelicans aren’t necessarily considered serious title contenders. This team could justify a lot of decisions. Could they justify trading CJ McCollum to the Nets?
The Trade Proposal
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: F/C Ben Simmons, 2025 First-Round Pick (PHX via BKN)
Brooklyn Nets Receive: G CJ McCollum
Meanwhile, NBA teams are not infallible. They’re taking stock of their circumstances to the best of their abilities. That doesn’t mean they won’t make mistakes. Realistically, even the best front offices in the league can get it wrong.
The Nets may have done just that. Trading James Harden for Ben Simmons and some draft capital could have been an error. Although, their backs were against the wall. Harden wanted to go to the Sixers, and his trade market was likely limited by that desire. Still, Simmons proved unplayable last season. For a player with his contract, that’s deeply problematic.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: CJ McCollum, New Orleans Pelicans & Brooklyn Nets Updates
Did the Pelicans err in acquiring McCollum? We wouldn’t go that far. McCollum has been far from unplayable. In fact, his offensive game has improved in New Orleans. Still, his contract is burdensome. In all likelihood, it wouldn’t be perceived as a positive trade asset around the league. Should the Nets take it on?
Why The Brooklyn Nets Do The Deal
Giving up an unprotected first-round pick is never easy. Sometimes, it’s the right call. That would be the case for Brooklyn here. This deal improves their outlook – in both the short term and the long term.
in the short term, McCollum would be a tremendous addition to this team. The Nets have a deep roster of quality defensive players, but they’re light on playmaking and shot creation. McCollum brings both to the table. He may not be a superstar, but his ability to generate offense would make the Nets a better team next season.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: CJ McCollum, New Orleans Pelicans & Brooklyn Nets Updates
in the long term, the Nets still have an impressive collection of draft capital. Shedding one pick won’t take them out of the running for a superstar demanding a trade if they wish to acquire him. In fact, this deal could make acquiring that superstar easier. Teams will be less apprehensive about acquiring McCollum than they will about bringing in Simmons. Should the Pelicans take on his contract?
Why The New Orleans Pelicans Do The Deal
By all accounts, the Pelicans want to find a defensive big. Here, we’ve got them thinking outside the box. Simmons is not a traditional center, but he played some 5 for the Nets last year. If he can get healthy, he could transition to the position on a full-time basis for the Pelicans.
Why not? Simmons could still use his elite passing in the short roll even if he’s no longer a primary ball-handler. Meanwhile, a healthy, functional version of Simmons can guard across positions. He’s got the size to man the 5 in the modern NBA. He could actually be the man that New Orleans is looking for.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: CJ McCollum, Portland Trail Blazers & New Orleans Pelicans Updates
Yet, that’s not why they’re acquiring him. The Pelicans are doing this for the unprotected first-round pick. The fact that Simmons has a year less remaining on his deal than McCollum doesn’t hurt either. When you take stock of this team’s situation, this deal just makes sense.
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