The Brooklyn Nets traded Dennis Schröder to the Golden State Warriors on Sunday, proving they aren’t afraid to cut ties with assets and look toward the future.
The organization may make a similar move before they reach the Feb. 6 trade deadline.
“The Brooklyn Nets are facing a familiar conundrum when it comes to Ben Simmons,” Hoops Wire’s Sam Amici wrote Sunday. “His $40 million-plus expiring contract screams NBA trade chip, but actually moving it? That’s a different story.”
“According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Nets could explore flipping Simmons to a team looking to clear cap space for 2025. The idea? Sweeten the deal by attaching a promising young player or draft assets to entice Brooklyn into taking back a multiyear salary.”
“Sounds good in theory, right? But in practice, it’s complicated. Simmons has had flashes of his old self this season, but consistency remains the big question.”
“If you’re Brooklyn, you’re not just moving Simmons to move him. You’re looking for pieces that help you win now and keep an eye on the future.”
“The Nets are a team trying to stay competitive while building around a collection of solid role players. Taking on bad long-term contracts doesn’t exactly fit the script unless the sweetener is too good to pass up.”
“From the other side, teams looking to shed salary might find Simmons’ expiring deal attractive, but how many of those teams are willing to part with assets to make it happen?”
“Teams are already hesitant to move high-value picks or young players, especially with the new CBA tightening the screws on long-term cap management.”
“Bottom line: Brooklyn has options, but they’re not great ones. Simmons’ contract gives them some leverage, but not enough to expect a blockbuster return.”
“If a deal does materialize, it’ll likely involve Brooklyn absorbing some tough financial commitments. Whether that’s worth the potential assets coming back? That’s the $40 million question.”
“For now, the Nets will keep taking calls, but don’t expect fireworks unless someone blinks first.”
Before the start of the 2023-24 season, Simmons promised Nets fans he would eventually dominate opponents again.
Unfortunately, the 2016 lottery pick has been unable to replicate the success he enjoyed with the Philadelphia 76ers.
He’s averaging 5.1 points and 6.5 assists per game with the Nets this season and has sometimes looked out of place.
Simmons is still a decent playmaker who can quickly get downhill and force off-ball defenders to abandon their original assignments. Still, he isn’t the same player who was highly regarded coming out of college.
Expect the Nets to move on from the LSU product this season.
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