Everyone loves a comeback story. That’s because comebacks aren’t easy to make. When someone makes a comeback, it’s inspiring. The same holds in the NBA. Everyone loves a player with a comeback story.
In 2023-24, Ben Simmons will be trying to author a comeback story of his own. At one point, this was an All-NBA player. Simmons was one of the best defenders in the league and one of its best passers as well. In recent years, that hasn’t been the case. Injuries have derailed Simmons’ career in a major way.
Could he make a comeback this season? He’s looked good in preseason. Granted, it’s only preseason – everyone knows everything won’t translate into the regular season. Still, there’s more hope around Simmons than in seasons past. Could the Nets trade him to the Los Angeles Lakers anyway?
The Trade Proposal
Brooklyn Nets Receive: G D’Angelo Russell, F Rui Hachimura
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: F/C Ben Simmons, 2027 First-Round Pick (Top 8 Protected – PHI via BKN)
Last year, the Lakers saw another comeback story unfold. For the first time in ages, Anthony Davis was relatively healthy. That was a blessing for the Lakers. When Davis can get on the floor, he’s one of the most dominant two-way big men in the NBA.
Will we start to see more of these stories? It feels possible. Modern medicine is remarkable. We’ve seen its impact on professional sports. It is suddenly easier to treat injuries than it’s ever been before. With that in mind, we should be more apprehensive to write a player’s career off.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Ben Simmons, Brooklyn Nets & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
That doesn’t mean that there isn’t work ahead of Simmons. There is plenty. He needs to get his mind right as well as his body. Simmons will have to shake off the rust. Still, there’s reason to be optimistic here. Should the Nets give up on Simmons now?
Why The Brooklyn Nets Do The Deal
For the Nets, this has more to do with Nicolas Claxton than with Simmons. He’s due for an extension next summer. As it stands, it will be difficult for the Nets to offer it to him. This team may need to clear some cap space next summer, and both Russell and Hachimura will be easier to move than Simmons if necessary.
With that in mind, they can also both contribute. That’s another conflict between Simmons and Claxton – they may not be a good fit. They’re both non-shooters. Here, the Nets are adding two rotation players who space the floor.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Ben Simmons, Brooklyn Nets & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Brooklyn may not want to do this deal if Simmons reaches his former All-NBA level. In that event, they’ll make different plans. If he’s somewhere between last year and his prime, they could consider it. Should the Lakers want that version of Simmons?
Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal
For the Lakers, this has everything to do with Simmons. They won’t get him at this price if he’s at his previous level. If he’s at last year’s level, the Lakers need more picks to make this deal.
Let’s assume that he’s splitting the difference. If Simmons looks like a good rotation player, this would be an intriguing option for the Lakers. Simmons can offer some secondary playmaking behind James. In all likelihood, they’d use him to carry the second unit. At the same time, lineups featuring Simmons at the 5 alongside James could also be intriguing.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Ben Simmons, Brooklyn Nets & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Meanwhile, the Lakers also get a lightly protected first here as well. That could help them make another trade down the line. If Simmons looks good enough next year, the Lakers might want to get involved in his comeback story.
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