Ben Simmons’ trade value is down in the netherworld right now, but one Western Conference team may not be fazed.
Ian Begley of SportsNet New York reports this week that the Brooklyn Nets were in “cursory” talks with one Western team about a potential trade that would get Brooklyn a veteran shooter. While it is not clear if talks advanced any further, Simmons’ name came up in the trade discussions, Begley adds.
The report did not specifically mention which Western Conference team engaged with the Nets. But the list of veteran shooters in the West who are on expiring contracts includes D’Angelo Russell (Minnesota), Malik Beasley (Utah), Christian Wood (Dallas), and Reggie Jackson (LA Clippers).
As for Simmons, his trade value is beyond negative right now. His passive play is leading to concerning theories, and he is only in Year 3 of a five-year, $177.2 million albatross contract (further complicating the possibility of a trade). But it would only require one team to take Simmons off Brooklyn’s hands, and there appears to be at least some sort of interest there.
