Teams out on Ben Simmons as potential trade target
Teams were reluctant to make strong offers to Philadelphia for Ben Simmons before the deadline, and now there’s even more confusion about his condition. I spoke with a trusted source from a non-playoff team that was previously attracted to Simmons who told me they’re out on him. “We’re at the point we’d want to see him play first,” said the source. The Nets might feel the same before making a move. Sure, Simmons has major flaws. But he’s only 25, signed to a reasonable contract with three years remaining, and the last time we saw him he was one of the league’s best defenders.
Source: Kevin O’Connor @ The Ringer
What’s the buzz on Twitter?
Chris Mannix @SIChrisMannix
NEW @TheCrossover Pod w/@Howard Beck: Ja the … MIP, Ben Simmons no-shows Game 4, Nets offseason questions, Boston’s place among the NBA elite, more. Links: bit.ly/2w1G5e2 – 8:30 AM
Michael Scotto @MikeAScotto
Kyrie Irving contract possibilities. James Harden’s Nets tenure behind the scenes. What’s next for Ben Simmons. Steve Nash’s future. Free agency thoughts on Bruce Brown, Nic Claxton, Goran Dragic, and much more with @Kristian Winfield on the @Jorge Sierra podcast. hoopshype.com/lists/nets-rum… – 11:24 PM
Alex Kennedy @AlexKennedyNBA
The Nets have just 6 players with guaranteed contracts for next year: Kevin Durant, Ben Simmons, Joe Harris, Seth Curry, Cam Thomas and Day’Ron Sharpe. They owe these players $144,555,667.
Everyone else is a potential free agent. What’s next for Brooklyn? basketballnews.com/stories/nba-of… – 6:37 PM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Report: Nets teammates saw Ben Simmons as not pushing himself to play in playoffs nba.nbcsports.com/2022/04/26/rep… – 6:00 PM
Aaron J. Fentress @AaronJFentress
If you’re Kevin Durant who is about to turn 34, do you trust Kyrie Irving and Ben Simmons to help you get a legitimate championship that didn’t come about because you jumped to the best team in basketball, or do you seek change? – 2:17 PM
Salman Ali @SalmanAliNBA
It’s hard not to be cynical when reading all this reporting about Ben Simmons and his setbacks, particularly when everyone knows where the information is coming from. – 12:50 PM
Shams Charania @ShamsCharania
Inside the stalled return of Ben Simmons, and what’s next for him and the Nets – at @TheAthletic: theathletic.com/3273384/2022/0… – 12:42 PM
Sean Deveney @SeanDeveney
Lot of execs/coaches weighed in on the @Brooklyn Nets‘ Ben Simmons in this @HeavySan story by @Steve Bulpett.
“He’s been enabled his entire life. … He’s just been left to his own devices to do what the f*** he wants to do.”
heavy.com/sports/brookly… – 9:53 AM
Wes Goldberg @wcgoldberg
Talked about the Nets, Ben Simmons and Kyrie Irving last night on @KNBR with @dieter
“This is the difference between player empowerment and player entitlement.” pic.twitter.com/Y4wjhaQH6O – 8:47 AM
Greg Dickerson @gregdickerson13
Ben Simmons will never play another nba game again. If he’s hurting mentally, I hope he gets his life together – 7:57 AM
Stefan Bondy @SBondyNYDN
There’s plenty of blame to go around in Brooklyn, but most concerning for the future is Ben Simmons nydailynews.com/sports/basketb… – 11:03 PM
Peter Vecsey @PeterVecsey1
Elon Musk says he won’t rush Ben Simmons back to use Twitter until he feels he’s 100% ready… – 10:56 PM
Steve Bulpett @SteveBHoop
Posted pre-game:
People who’ve worked with Ben Simmons profoundly un-stunned he missed Game 4 tonight:
“No one’s surprised. I think people were more surprised that they announced he was going to play on Monday than they were that he’s not.”
bit.ly/3rPXkJd – 10:54 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Nets were the worst defensive rebounding team in the league this season.
So, I mean, Ben Simmons would really help that. FWIW – 10:52 PM
Dave Early @DavidEarly
“We lost a franchise player and we got a franchise player back but we didn’t get chance to see [Ben Simmons] on the floor. There was no pressure for him to step on the floor with us either. Ben’s good, we have Ben, we have his back he’s gonna be good for next year.”
Kyrie Irving pic.twitter.com/XNkkKWWA5C – 10:50 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Steve Nash said he’s love coaching the Nets and everything that’s come with the job and wants to stay. Said Joe Harris and Ben Simmons can help the Nets next season. – 9:53 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Steve Nash on his job status and where the Nets are heading into the offseason: “I’ve loved doing this (coaching), loved these guys, loved my staff, really had a great working environment and want to continue doing it. I think Ben Simmons and Joe Harris will give us a good lift.” – 9:53 PM
Barbara Barker @meanbarb
Steve Nash says he’s loved doing this job and loves his staff. “I want to continue to do it. I think Ben Simmons and Joe Harris will give us a big lift.” – 9:53 PM
Nick Friedell @NickFriedell
Ben Simmons was not at Barclays for Game 4. The Nets say it is because of the back issues he’s dealing with. – 9:43 PM
Mike Mazzeo @MazzNYC
At least Kyrie Irving and Ben Simmons will have more time off – 9:37 PM
Tom Lorenzo @TomLorenzo
Trade Kyrie to CLE for Jarrett Allen and Caris LeVert and send Ben Simmons to Minnesota for D’Angelo Russell…and let’s just spend the next 6 years being OK with 41 wins and a first round upset. Do it. – 9:35 PM
Alok Pattani @AlokPattani
2021-22 Nets w/ Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving*, James Harden*, Ben Simmons**: 44-38 (7th in East), 15th in Net Rtg, swept in 1st Round
2018-19 Nets w/ 0 players w/ prev All-Star selections: 42-40 (6th in East), 15th in Net Rtg, lost 4-1 in 1st Round
Even w/ the *s, pretty stunning – 9:35 PM
Brian Geltzeiler @BGeltzNBA
Besides Ben Simmons, the guy who really could have helped Brooklyn in this series is James Johnson. They cut him to take Kessler Edwards off a 2 way contract. The Nets lack of size (and speed) on the perimeter has been just dominated by the Celts perimeter size – 8:45 PM
Brian Robb @BrianTRobb
New: Ben Simmons is not sitting on the Nets bench during Game 4 for the first time during this series masslive.com/celtics/2022/0… – 8:19 PM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Ben Simmons, as has been noted, is not on the #Nets bench for tonight’s elimination Game 4. – 8:13 PM
Ian Begley @IanBegley
Deleted a previous tweet (pictured below) that noted Ben Simmons isn’t sitting on the bench during Game 4 of Nets-Celtics but didn’t include the reason why Simmons isn’t on bench. Per a team official, Simmons isn’t sitting on bench tonight due to his back ailment. pic.twitter.com/YnjIiXLsp3 – 8:08 PM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Mental, physical health keeping Ben Simmons from #Nets lineup as both sides meet nypost.com/2022/04/25/men… via @nypostsports – 8:06 PM
Ian Begley @IanBegley
Ben Simmons isn’t on the Nets bench for Game 4 vs. Boston due to his back ailment, per a team official. Simmons had been sitting on the Nets bench in recent games. Steve Nash said earlier Monday that Simmons would be evaluated by team performance staff. – 8:02 PM
Howard Beck @HowardBeck
As others have noted, Ben Simmons is not on Nets’ bench tonight. I’m told he’s not at the arena, because of his ongoing back issues. – 7:59 PM
Tommy Beer @TommyBeer
Looks like no Ben Simmons on the bench tonight… safe to assume someone in his camp advised him that his bright outfits while sitting next to the coaching staff was an ugly optic. – 7:38 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
I just don’t understand how you can have reports suggesting Ben Simmons “reiterated his commitment to playing for the Nets” but he’s nowhere to be found supporting his teammates for Game 4. – 7:36 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
I don’t see Ben Simmons — whose outfits are usually identifiable — on the Nets’ bench for Game 4. – 7:30 PM
Steve Bulpett @SteveBHoop
People who’ve worked with Ben Simmons profoundly un-stunned by him missing Game 4 tonight:
“No one’s surprised. I think people were more surprised that they announced he was going to play on Monday than they were that he’s not.”
bit.ly/3rPXkJd – 7:09 PM
Barbara Barker @meanbarb
Wasn’t quick enough to get it but the first photo Nets showed on jumbotron was Ben Simmons in uniform. Oops. pic.twitter.com/W7Rx3kXLU8 – 7:02 PM
James Boyd @RomeovilleKid
#Pacers legend Reggie Miller sounded off on #Nets forward Ben Simmons, who was expected to make his season debut tonight against the #Celtics in Game 4 but will remain out due to back soreness.
“This dude has ZERO competitive (fire).” indystar.com/story/sports/n… – 6:58 PM
Ben Golliver @BenGolliver
Nets Coach Steve Nash on Ben Simmons: “I don’t want to overstate my understanding of the situation because I’m not in Ben’s shoes. It’s very important for me to not speak for Ben. I can’t relate to what he’s going through. There is a mental component with everything.” pic.twitter.com/kepJCGwKFi – 5:59 PM
Dave Early @DavidEarly
Steve Nash on Ben Simmons:
“I don’t want to overstate my understanding….I think Ben has addressed that there is a mental component with what he’s going through. But how much and where he’s at with that is not for me to speak about.”
#NetsWorld pic.twitter.com/OFdTKdSunW – 5:39 PM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Report: Ben Simmons needs more support with mental health to play for Nets nba.nbcsports.com/2022/04/25/rep… – 5:38 PM
Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn
ESPN story with the details on the Brooklyn Nets’ meeting today with Ben Simmons and Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul: es.pn/37NFijI – 5:37 PM
Michael Scotto @MikeAScotto
Brooklyn Nets coach Steve Nash called Ben Simmons a cornerstone of the franchise and said there is a mental component Simmons is working through, along with his back injury, in his comeback attempt. pic.twitter.com/WIYF6JswNj – 5:34 PM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Nash on the mental aspect of what Ben Simmons is going through: “It’s very important for me not to speak for Ben because I cant relate to what he’s going through. There’s a mental component w/ everything. Ben’s addressed there’s a mental component w/ what he’s going through.” – 5:26 PM
Jared Weiss @JaredWeissNBA
Steve Nash on the Ben Simmons situation and whether there is a mental health aspect to his continued absence. pic.twitter.com/jSqr7n6Mth – 5:25 PM
Vincent Goodwill @VinceGoodwill
Steve Nash on Ben Simmons: “I’m very careful not to speak for Ben. There is a mental component he’s going through…We want to help him in any aspect, he’s a cornerstone.” – 5:24 PM
Dave Early @DavidEarly
Steve Nash says “there is a mental component with everything.” But how much and where Ben Simmons is at with that is not for Nash to speak on. – 5:23 PM
Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
Ben Simmons and Brooklyn Nets remain committed to working together #NBA
eurohoops.net/en/nba-news/13… – 4:55 PM
Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn
ESPN Sources: Ben Simmons and CEO of Klutch Sports Rich Paul met with GM Sean Marks and Nets leadership today to discuss how they’ll continue to work through the physical and mental hurdles needed to get Simmons back on the court. – 3:34 PM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Steve Nash never expected Ben Simmons to play in #Nets‘ do-or-die Game 4 nypost.com/2022/04/25/ben… via @nypostsports – 2:49 PM
James Boyd @RomeovilleKid
#Pacers legend Reggie Miller blasts Ben Simmons for missing #Nets‘ playoff game indystar.com/story/sports/n… via @indystar – 1:48 PM
Adam Zagoria @AdamZagoria
Now on @njdotcom
NBA Playoffs 2022:
Nets ‘exasperated’ by Ben Simmons saga, Tim Legler says he’s ‘completely lost all credibility’ nj.com/nets/2022/04/n… – 1:46 PM
Sean Highkin @highkin
Thank you to Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea for reminding us of Brooklyn Nets forward Ben Simmons’ contract terms – 1:17 PM
Ira Winderman @IraHeatBeat
Instead of a gap season, Heat’s Victor Oladipo living in the moment. sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-h… Victor Oladipo could have gone Ben Simmons on the Heat. He didn’t. – 12:52 PM
Mike Prada @MikePradaNBA
I dunno if it was Ben Simmons’ camp, the Nets, the Nets’ stars, Simmons himself, or a combination of them all. But whichever party was most responsible for floating the idea that Ben Simmons’ might return from this year-long ailment DURING THE PLAYOFFS did him a great disservice. – 11:39 AM
Mark Deeks @MarkDeeksNBA
As I spend another sunny afternoon lying around in bed amid the potent pincer movement of back pain and mental fog, I would just like to say that I have a real massive problem with much of the Ben Simmons conversation. – 11:35 AM
Brian Robb @BrianTRobb
Charles Barkley and Shaq did not hold back on Ben Simmons after it was announced he would not make his return for the Celtics-Nets Game 4 matchup Monday night masslive.com/celtics/2022/0… – 11:30 AM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Report: People around Ben Simmons ‘exasperated’ nba.nbcsports.com/2022/04/25/rep… – 11:16 AM
Ian Begley @IanBegley
Steve Nash says he of course would love to have Ben Simmons on the floor but adds that he isn’t disappointed with Simmons in any way. “His back is his back. We’ve got to work through this.” pic.twitter.com/xuEG9QT8G8 – 11:13 AM
Ian Begley @IanBegley
Nic Claxton on Ben Simmons being unavailable for Game 4 due to a setback during his rehab process: “That’s unfortunate for him. I know he probably wanted to be out there playing with us and to have a setback – I know that sucks for us and it sucks for him.” – 10:54 AM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Nash said Ben Simmons is not slated to have another MRI. #nets – 10:35 AM
Vincent Goodwill @VinceGoodwill
Steve Nash on Ben Simmons: “I wasn’t really expecting him to play.” – 10:25 AM
Jon Johnson @jonjohnsonwip
Laughing at Ben Simmons? Laughing at Ben Simmons ⬇️ audacy.com/podcasts/the-j… – 6:30 AM
Mark Montieth @MarkMontieth
I don’t know about Ben Simmons’ physical or mental state, but I do know it’s highly questionable to ask someone to make a season debut after being out with an injury in a playoff game with a new team. I recall a playoff game in 1996 when a goggled Reggie Miller … – 8:38 PM
The Vertical @YahooSportsNBA
“This dude has ZERO competitive 🔥”
Reggie Miller sounded off on Ben Simmons 👀
➡️ https://t.co/rXfICHpRQP pic.twitter.com/HkL3ViSTOC – 7:04 PM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Nets list Ben Simmons as out for Game 4 due to back soreness nba.nbcsports.com/2022/04/24/net… – 6:17 PM
Adam Zagoria @AdamZagoria
NBA Playoffs 2022:
See you next season? Nets list Ben Simmons as out for Game 4 vs. Celtics nj.com/nets/2022/04/n… – 6:12 PM
Kevin Chouinard @KLChouinard
Here is my scorching Ben Simmons opinion: Can we just talk about someone else?
Like Victor Oladipo is a former #2 overall pick playing for the #1 seed with a rotation spot that just opened up. Can we talk about him? – 6:11 PM
Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn
ESPN story on Ben Simmons reporting back soreness on Sunday, leaving the Nets surprised and disappointed that he won’t make his season debut in Game 4: es.pn/3MtIcJm – 6:06 PM
Adam Zagoria @AdamZagoria
The Nets list Ben Simmons as out for Game 4 Monday citing “return to competition reconditioning/back soreness”
The good news for the Nets is they’ll get Simmons and Joe Harris back for the 2022-23 season – 5:58 PM
Ben Anderson @BensHoops
Spent more time on an NBA floor than Ben Simmons this season. pic.twitter.com/SCx5fC4yvl – 5:38 PM
Sam Vecenie @Sam_Vecenie
It is hard to over-emphasize how disastrously this entire Ben Simmons situation has been handled, from Day One of training camp until the end of this season. Just, the entirety of this is a disaster. From sitting out to losing money to the will-he-won’t-he-play? Just horrid. – 5:36 PM
Adi Joseph @AdiJoseph
Letting Ben Simmons make his Nets debut in these circumstances would have been malpractice. But allowing it to be framed as an injury opens him up to every bit as much scrutiny. The Nets are handling PR, HR and asset management as poorly as the Knicks usually do. – 5:29 PM
John Gonzalez @JohnGonzalez
Ben Simmons fit for G4 pic.twitter.com/m6YKQEHBgX – 5:27 PM
Chris Mannix @SIChrisMannix
Kevin Durant is out there playing 46 minutes. Nets have no depth. And Ben Simmons can’t chip in 10-15 minutes to help his team try to stave off elimination? This can’t be going over well in the locker room. – 5:19 PM
J. Michael Falgoust @ThisIsJMichael
Yo, @Stephen A. Smith just ethered Ben Simmons who is now out for Game 4. Didn’t tell a lie. This bama wants has quits and files a grievance to get back $20M for not working. Gimme a break – 5:15 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Ben Simmons is going to wind up not playing two full seasons after being the top pick of the 2016 NBA Draft. Also missed the 2020 postseason due to knee surgery.
He’ll be 26 this summer – 5:12 PM
Wes Goldberg @wcgoldberg
Stephen A just went OFF on Ben Simmons and can’t say I disagree with anything he said. – 5:11 PM
Bill Simmons @BillSimmons
Ben Simmons now targeting Game 7 or Game 8. Details to come. – 5:04 PM
Ryan McDonough @McDNBA
The Nets should list Ben Simmons as ‘Out – return to UNcompetitive reconditioning’ – 5:02 PM
Brian Mahoney @briancmahoney
Nets list Ben Simmons out for Game 4, removing perhaps all the intrigue left in this series. – 4:56 PM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Ben Simmons (return to competition reconditioning/back soreness) has been ruled out for tomorrow’s Game 4 against the #Celtics, an elimination game for the #Nets. – 4:55 PM
Matthew Tynan @Matthew_Tynan
Really fun Ben Simmons season – 4:54 PM
Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn
ESPN Sources: The Nets and Ben Simmons expected he would be ready to play on Monday, but after getting on the court yesterday Simmons says he awoke with back soreness today. In the end, the team and Simmons agreed he’ll remain out for Game 4. – 4:53 PM
Alex Kennedy @AlexKennedyNBA
The Brooklyn Nets have ruled Ben Simmons out for Game 4 against the Boston Celtics.
This is the right move, as we covered at @basketbllnews: basketballnews.com/stories/nba-ro… – 4:52 PM
Barbara Barker @meanbarb
I gotta say the cost-benefit analysis of bringing back Ben Simmons in a must-win game never seemed like a good one. – 4:50 PM
Barbara Barker @meanbarb
Nets just released injury report for Game 4. No Ben Simmons. – 4:48 PM
John Karalis @John_Karalis
Injury reports are out.
Boston: No injuries to report.
Brooklyn: Ben Simmons (return to competition reconditioning/back soreness) – OUT – 4:46 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
The Nets have ruled Ben Simmons out for Game 4 – 4:42 PM
Melissa Rohlin @melissarohlin
The Nets are listing Ben Simmons as out for Game 4 against the Celtics. – 4:41 PM
Chris Haynes @ChrisBHaynes
Brooklyn Nets list Ben Simmons as out for Game 4 against the Boston Celtics. – 4:40 PM
Jeff Goodman @GoodmanHoops
Ben Simmons listed as out for Game 4 by the Nets. – 4:40 PM
Vincent Goodwill @VinceGoodwill
As of now, Nets forward Ben Simmons is listed as OUT for Game 4 against the Celtics – 4:39 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Nets list Ben Simmons as OUT for tomorrow’s Game 4. – 4:39 PM
Nick Friedell @NickFriedell
Nets say Ben Simmons is out for Game 4. – 4:39 PM
Michael Scotto @MikeAScotto
Ben Simmons is listed as OUT for Game 4 versus the Celtics. – 4:39 PM
JD Shaw @JShawNBA
The Nets are currently listing Ben Simmons (return to competition reconditioning/back soreness) as OUT for tomorrow’s Game 4 against the Celtics. – 4:39 PM
Jared Weiss @JaredWeissNBA
The Nets have ruled Ben Simmons out for tomorrow’s elimination Game 4. – 4:39 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
The Nets say Ben Simmons remains out for Game 4 against the Celtics tomorrow night. – 4:39 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
Ben Simmons is OUT for Game 4, per the Nets. – 4:39 PM
Ian Begley @IanBegley
Ben Simmons is out for Game 4 on Monday, Nets say. – 4:39 PM
Marc Stein @TheSteinLine
Ben Simmons is out for Game 4, Nets say – 4:38 PM
Shams Charania @ShamsCharania
Nets are listing Ben Simmons as OUT for Game 4 vs. Celtics. A surprise as Simmons had been expected to play Monday as long as rehab was on course. – 4:38 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Steve Nash has no update on Ben Simmons and if he will play tomorrow. Team has to submit a status report at 5 p.m. Nash doesn’t speculate on what Simmons will be listed as. – 1:33 PM
Ian Begley @IanBegley
Prior to Game 3, Steve Nash said G4 return for Ben Simmons is “possible.” “It’s not a normal return (given length of Simmons’ absence)…There’s a lot of bigger picture, bigger context – how he’s feeling, how able he would be to adapt to the environment.” sny.tv/articles/crazy… – 1:29 PM
Nick Friedell @NickFriedell
When asked if he thought Ben Simmons would play in Game 4, Bruce Brown was honest in his assessment: “I have no idea.”
It’s the same sentiment we’ve heard from several Nets players over the last week or so regarding Simmons’ availability. – 12:44 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Neither Bruce Brown nor Seth Curry have any idea if Ben Simmons will play tomorrow. “That’s above my pay grade,” Brown said. – 12:44 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Bruce Brown on if he expects Ben Simmons to play tomorrow: “I have no idea. That’s above my pay grade.” – 12:35 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
No sign of Ben Simmons or Kyrie Irving. Kevin Durant walked off the floor when media came into practice. pic.twitter.com/wME4JIBBRi – 12:27 PM
More on this storyline
In years prior, Lillard has indicated to Portland leadership several two-way, rangy wings such as Grant, Ben Simmons, Aaron Gordon and Jaylen Brown as the type of playing partner he preferred, sources said. -via Bleacher Report / April 21, 2022
Joel Embiid: “I just didn’t understand what was going on [with the Ben Simmons situation], honestly. I didn’t understand what happened and what led up to that whole situation. To this day, I don’t understand. Even when you look at it and I don’t have any problems with him and like I say, obviously we didn’t win the championship together, but in the regular season, we went dominant every single season. 50-win seasons, I always believed that we had a chance to win together. Like I always believed that even to this day. I believe that we had a chance to win and what we were able to accomplish obviously, winning matters the most, but I feel like we had a chance and that’s what I don’t get. I don’t understand what was going on, honestly. What caused him to want to leave. I understand his explanation, but a lot of things don’t make sense.” -via Sixers Wire / March 17, 2022
Steve Nash on Ben Simmons’ chances of playing in regular season: ‘I have extremely high hopes’ he Brooklyn Nets still have no idea exactly when Ben Simmons will be able to make his season debut as he continues to deal with a back injury, but coach Steve Nash said after Tuesday’s shootaround that he has “extremely high hopes that we’ll see him in the regular season.” “He’s just doing his rehab, strengthening,” Nash said. “We’re still doing that side of things rather than court work right now.” -via ESPN / March 15, 2022
