Mock trade has Nets trading Ben Simmons for six Toronto Raptors
Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons has been the subject of a good amount of criticism for the way that his career has gone lately. Ever since Simmons came to Brooklyn, he has not been what Nets fans have hoped for as he has only played 42 games in one-and-a-half seasons of being on the roster.
Simmons came to Brooklyn suffering from back issues and it looks like the cycle is repeating itself again. However, there is optimism that this season can be one where everyone inside and outside of the organization can get a look at a healthy Simmons and make an honest assessment from there.
With the moves that the Nets could make, such as trading for Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro, Brooklyn may not have time to wait for Simmons to figure things out. If they decide to let another team take on Simmons’ contract, this mock trade suggested by Quenton Albertie of ClutchPoints could be something to consider:
The Mock Trade:
Brooklyn Nets receive: Chris Boucher, Otto Porter Jr., Thaddeus Young, D.J. Wilson, Malachi Flynn, Joe Wieskamp
Toronto Raptors receive: Ben Simmons
Should the Nets do this trade?
On its face, this seems like a trade that would be perfect for the Raptors since they are probably entering a rebuild after losing guard Free VanVleet to the Houston Rockets along with rumors of forward Pascal Siakam being available for trade. If Toronto enters a rebuild of some sort, they can be patient with Simmons and at the very least, will have an expiring contract in two seasons if the partnership falls through.
For the Nets, it stands to reason that a good amount of the incoming Raptors would be waived since Brooklyn’s top-8 is set at this point. Boucher and Young would be interesting pieces for the Nets to keep on the team, but Brooklyn has enough depth at this point to not need some of the other players they would get in this trade.
If Brooklyn were to do this trade, the main reason would be that they are giving up on Simmons and that getting rid of his contract would be paramount for the franchise to move forward. Regardless of how many players Brooklyn decides to keep, they would achieve their ultimate goal.
Verdict: No, the Nets should not do this trade.
