Matt Johnson
The Brooklyn Nets broke apart their core before the NBA trade deadline, dealing Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving in a series of moves that altered their future. When the 2023 NBA offseason rolls around, Brooklyn could have another big move in mind.
Just over a year after acquiring Ben Simmons as part of the blockbuster James Harden trade with the Philadelphia 76ers, Brooklyn has dramatically altered its roster. Simmons was brought in to be the complementary third piece alongside Durant and Irving, providing a versatile defender and a facilitator in transition.
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However, Simmons never saw the court last season after being traded. Due to injuries and mental health, the former No. 1 overall pick didn’t make his Nets’ debut until Sep. 19. Now, after seeing him play less than 50 games for the franchise, Brooklyn seems ready to move on.
- Ben Simmons contract: $37.893 million salary (2023-’24), $40.3 million salary (2024-’25)
According to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, many around the NBA fully expect Brooklyn to shop Simmons around the league this summer.
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“What becomes of Simmons and the final two years and nearly $80 million remaining on his contract after this season is of course another dynamic to monitor in Brooklyn. The Nets are widely expected to gauge what trade market could materialize for Simmons after his disappointing campaign comes to a close. The three-time All-Star is still far from the form he exhibited during his best days in Philadelphia.”
Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer on Ben Simmons, Brooklyn Nets
It’s not a surprising outcome. While Simmons still provides quality defense, living up to his reputation on that end of the floor, he regressed in other areas. The 26-year-old is shooting a career-worst 43.9% from the free-throw line this season, a steep drop from his 61.3% mark in 2020-’21 and well below his career average (59.1%).
- Ben Simmons stats (2022-’23): 6.9 PPG, 6.1 APG, 6.3 RPG, 1.3 SPG
Simmons has scored double-digits in just 13 games this season and has scored at least 12 points in only six contests. Of greater concern, six of his games with double-digit points happened in November.
He also isn’t the facilitator he used to be. Simmons’s 30.5 percent assist rate is the lowest mark in his career and he is averaging a career-worst 27.2 percent turnover rate, up substantially from his figures two years ago (19.6 percent).
Considering his declining reputation around the NBA and his contract, the Nets will be challenged to find any suitor willing to acquire him. If the franchise is forced to choose between offloading Simmons’ contract in a trade package with draft picks or just stashing him on the roster, a return to Brooklyn next season seems increasingly likely.
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