Report: Brooklyn Nets ‘unlikely’ to trade Ben Simmons this offseason

The Brooklyn Nets’ roster could look completely different by the time that the 2022-23 regular season commences.

While the Nets may trade superstar Kevin Durant in the near future, they are “unlikely” to include guard Ben Simmons in a deal this offseason.

According to Brian Lewis of the New York Post, the trade market for Simmons is quite barren.

“That means the Nets either would have to loop a third team into the deal, and ship [Andrew] Wiggins there for some sort of return, or they would have to move off Simmons,” wrote Lewis.

 

“Privately, Nets sources have intimated the latter option is unlikely. And when asked if Simmons had gotten assurances he was in the Nets’ long-term plans and would not be traded, a source close to the young All-Star told The Post simply that ‘Ben is good.’

 

“Of course, the Nets might not have much choice in the matter. Simmons didn’t play at all last season, citing first mental health and then back issues. While he did have surgery and is on schedule to be ready for training camp, according to a source, one league source said there was no chatter about the Nets actively shopping Simmons, while two said there was little market for him.”

Durant, 33, recently shook the league up by requesting a trade from the Nets.

Of course, Durant is one the best players in the NBA. He is coveted by a bunch of teams but has the Miami Heat and Phoenix Suns on his personal wish list.

Many franchises would mortgage their futures for the services of the 12-time All-Star. After all, Durant is a two-time Finals MVP and took home the 2014 league MVP award.

The veteran collected 29.9 points, 7.4 rebounds and 6.4 assists per game last season for Brooklyn.

However, the Nets fizzled out in the playoffs as the Boston Celtics swept them in the first round. Durant’s former team, the Golden State Warriors, defeated the Celtics in six games in the 2022 NBA Finals.

The Nets received no postseason help from Simmons, who was acquired midway through the season in a blockbuster trade for James Harden. Simmons infamously made headlines for wearing flashy outfits and not showing up to the team’s final game.

As a result, the three-time All-Star’s value around the league isn’t that high.

The former No. 1 pick has career averages of 15.9 points, 8.1 boards and 7.7 assists per game. Simmons sat out the entire 2021-22 campaign.