The NBA’s offseason is a time for unbridled optimism. Players who’ve been on the decline are primed for a comeback. Everyone is going to reach their potential. Soon enough, we’ll see who’s actually able to make good on those promises.
After all, the 2023-24 season is nearly underway. It’s finally here. If some players fall short of expectations, they could be candidates to be moved. Meanwhile, Ben Simmons of the Brooklyn Nets is one of those players who’s hoping to stage a comeback. What if he can’t?
Could the Nets trade Simmons? It looms as a possibility. Yet, if Simmons is having an underwhelming year, the Nets may have to attach draft capital to his deal to make a move.
Could they send him to the Washington Wizards to land Kyle Kuzma?
NBA Trade Proposal — Brooklyn Nets Land Kyle Kuzma
Washington Wizards Receive: F/C Ben Simmons, 2025 First-Round Pick (PHX via BKN)
Brooklyn Nets Receive: F Kyle Kuzma, G Tyus Jones
We should correct ourselves: most fans are optimistic in the offseason. For some teams, their situation is too apparently bleak for optimism. For some time, that was the case for Wizards fans. This team was stuck in mediocrity, and their front office didn’t appear to be interested in finding a way out.
Finally, that changes. This summer, the Wizards sent Bradley Beal to the Phoenix Suns. They may have waited too long. If the Wizards had moved Beal more quickly, they may have gotten a better return for him.
At the same time, Wizards fans finally have something to get excited about – in the future, that is. For now, the Wizards ought to be bad.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kyle Kuzma, Washington Wizards, Brooklyn Nets Updates
They should want to be: this team should be focused on maximizing their lottery odds for a few seasons. With that in mind, they may want to downgrade their current roster.
Is this deal enough of a downgrade?
Why The Washington Wizards Do The Deal
It’s difficult to say. After all, it’s difficult to say what Simmons will look like this season. If he returns to form, this deal won’t be viable for either side.
A few years ago, Simmons was an All-NBA player. If he gets back to that level, the Nets will be seeking draft capital in a trade for him – if they’re even willing to move him at all.
Let’s assume that doesn’t happen. Moreover, let’s assume that Simmons, even if he’s looking good, isn’t as impactful as Kuzma and Jones combined. In that event, this is a good deal for the Wizards. Above all else, it allows them to bottom out and maximize their own lottery odds.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kyle Kuzma, Washington Wizards, Brooklyn Nets Updates
Of course, they’re also landing an unprotected first. This is exactly the type of asset that a rebuilding team ought to covet. So, this is a good deal for the Wizards on two fronts. Is it a good deal for the Nets?
Why The Brooklyn Nets Do The Deal
The Wizards may be looking to rebuke. That’s a luxury that some would argue the Nets can’t afford. This team owes their first-round picks to the Houston Rockets through to 2027. The Nets don’t have the same incentive to tank.
So, they might as well use the draft capital that they have from other teams to upgrade their roster. Some would suggest that they’re misusing those assets here. They’ll say Brooklyn should hang onto their picks until they can trade for a star. Perhaps.
With that said, in today’s league, you need to be an attractive destination to land a star. That means being more competitive. This deal ought to help the Nets with that goal. They could use a point guard, and more broadly, they need dynamic offensive players like Kuzma.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Kyle Kuzma, Washington Wizards, Brooklyn Nets Updates
Moreover, this deal leaves the Nets with enough draft capital to still trade for that star down the line. In other words, it would give them plenty of reason to be optimistic.
