An NBA offense is like a car: it needs an engine. Sure, a sturdy exterior is important. You may like the leather interior. Without an engine, a car isn’t worth much. It isn’t going to get you anywhere.
As it stands, the Brooklyn Nets need an engine. Otherwise, this team is in good shape. The Nets have a deep roster full of 3-and-D wings. They’ve got an elite switch big in Nicolas Claxton. Yet, the best offensive player on this team is Mikal Bridges.
Bridges has developed into a quality shot creator. Still, he’s unlikely to carry a playoff offense on his own. Bridges needs to conserve energy for defense, and he may not be dynamic enough in the first place.
Could the Nets acquire DeMar DeRozan of the Chicago Bulls as their engine?
NBA Trade Proposal — Brooklyn Nets Land DeMar DeRozan
Chicago Bulls Receive: F/C Ben Simmons, 2025 First-Round Pick (PHX via BKN)
Brooklyn Nets Receive: G/F DeMar DeRozan, G Jevon Carter
Did the Nets think they were getting an engine when they traded for Simmons? It’s possible. At that time, Simmons wasn’t far removed from All-NBA appearances. Sure, defense was always part of his appeal, but Simmons was also a dynamic playmaker who leveraged his size and passing to contribute on offense.
What happened? Well, Simmons has never been a good shooter. Perhaps that’s the primary issue. This limitation makes him considerably easier to guard. Opposing defenses will simply pack the paint against Simmons and dare him to shoot.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls, Brooklyn Nets Updates
Still, with the right roster and some continued development, this feels like a surmountable issue. It may be that Simmons’ confidence has also taken a hit.
Should the Bulls see if they can get more out of him?
Why The Chicago Bulls Do The Deal
Well, if Simmons is ever going to regain his offensive form, he’ll probably need to play alongside a stretch big. From that point of view, the Bulls could be a perfect landing spot. Nikola Vucevic is a credible enough threat from long-range to draw closeouts. That will open up driving lanes for Simmons.
So, the Bulls may want to see if they can revive his career. If they can, this will be a huge win for Chicago. They’re getting a much younger player and a draft pick for taking on his burdensome contract. What if the Bulls can’t revive Simmons?
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls, Brooklyn Nets Updates
This is still a fine deal. If Simmons doesn’t work out in Chicago, it feels likely that the Bulls will begin rebuilding entirely. In that event, they won’t mind his contract, and they’ll be happy to take an unprotected first.
Should the Nets attach a pick to Simmons’ contract to bring in DeRozan?
Why The Brooklyn Nets Do The Deal
Defenses will pack the paint against Simmons. To an extent, they’ll do the same against DeRozan. He’s far from an elite three-point shooter in his own right. At the same time, DeRozan is more likely to make a defense pay. He’ll shoot the three-ball if he’s open, and otherwise, he’s at least lethal in the midrange.
In other words, he should improve Brooklyn’s offense. Yes, there’s a defensive trade-off. That’s fine. This team has an elite defensive roster. On the other hand, they need a defensive boost.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: DeMar DeRozan, Chicago Bulls, Brooklyn Nets Updates
Best of all, it’s not costing them an arm and a leg either. The Nets would still have a solid collection of draft capital to move for a star down the road if that’s the course of action that they prefer. For the time being, they need some kind of engine.
