3 Dark-Horse Trade Suitors For Ben Simmons Before Season

Ben Simmons
NBA Analysis Network
Kevin Durant, Brooklyn Nets
Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports

2. Brooklyn Nets

A swap between the Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers would almost be too perfect to be true. Trading Kyrie Irving for Ben Simmons is something that would benefit both teams in their pursuits of titles.

Any deal that includes Irving has speed bumps. It has been reported that he would just retire should the Nets trade him. In addition, Kevin Durant isn’t having it with any deal that sends Irving to the 76ers. Stephen A. Smith said this deal would be done in a heartbeat if not for Durant.

While there doesn’t seem to be momentum toward it right now, this is something that could be revisited in the future. If Irving continues taking his stand against being vaccinated, the Nets won’t have him for half of the season. That is not something they can afford to happen.

If the deal to swap him for Simmons was on the board, it is one management would have to seriously consider regardless of Durant’s feelings.

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The Nets would be hard-pressed to win a championship with Irving being barred from playing or taking part in any events inside Barclays Center.

Swapping him for Simmons would drastically improve the team’s defense. James Harden could slide over to the point guard position if the Nets could convince Simmons to play more in the frontcourt than backcourt.

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Irving is the exact kind of player the 76ers are looking for to play point guard with Joel Embiid. Their best-case scenario is landing Damian Lillard, but Irving would be quite a consolation prize.

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