The Brooklyn Nets swung for the fences and struck out.
They tried to pair Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, and it was a disaster from day one.
They later gave them James Harden and looked championship-bound, but that success was short-lived.
Finally, they tried to make things work with Ben Simmons but to no avail, either.
So, now that Kyrie and Durant are finally gone and someone else’s problem, the Nets may have little-to-no use for Simmons.
That’s why, according to Ian Begley, they might try and move the former first-overall pick before the trade deadline, and they even engaged with several teams about a potential transaction.
If Nets-Suns Kevin Durant trade hadn’t been finalized tonight, teams expected to pick it up early Thursday AM & get to finish line. For Nets, finalizing it early Thurs gives them opportunity to do more before 3p deadline. BKN spoke w/a few teams about Ben Simmons post-Kyrie trade
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) February 9, 2023
The biggest issue is that they’re likely not getting a lot in return for his services.
Simmons’ value around the league has hit rock bottom this season, as it’s evident that he’s never going to be a scorer and has only regressed in a lesser role in Brooklyn.
The former Sixers star has all the physical tools to become one of the most dominant two-way players in the game.
He can cover all five positions, is an elite playmaker, and has the physicality and size to be a perennial mismatch in the paint.
But his well-documented character issues, a history of non-coachability, insubordination, zero accountability, and a tendency to shy away from big moments have raised several questions about his prospect as an NBA star.
Moreover, it seems like Simmons cannot shake his injury woes off, and there are serious doubts about his feel for the game and his actual desire to play.
So, will any team take a chance on Simmons?
The upside is more than evident, and it may not take a lot to get him right now.
NEXT: Kyrie Irving Reacts To The Kevin Durant Trade
