PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JANUARY 19: Ben Simmons #10 of the Brooklyn Nets during the game against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center on January 19, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns beat the Nets 117-112. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
Ben Simmons’ reported trade value is comical for Knicks fans
Kyrie Irving’s unexpected (yet somehow still expected) trade request on Friday made for an entertaining day for New York Knicks fans. On Sunday, Irving’s wish came true as he was traded to the Mavericks in a deal that actually benefitted the Nets. Now that he’s gone, all eyes are on what will happen with Kevin Durant.
Will he stay in Brooklyn past the deadline? Or will he request another trade in the offseason? What other moves will the Nets make (if any) to ensure that KD will stay?
A move that Brooklyn could make would involve trading Ben Simmons a year after he was part of the James Harden trade with the Sixers. However, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, Simmons currently has no trade value around the league. Ouch.
Knicks fans can get a laugh out of Nets’ Ben Simmons reportedly having no trade value
Since being traded to the Nets, Ben Simmons is averaging 7.4 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 6.4 assists in 37 games. He didn’t play at all in 2021-22.
He underwent back surgery in May that took a few months for him to recover from and that’s something that should be factored into how he’s performed so far this season. However, there’s no doubt that Simmons hasn’t had the impact that the Nets thought he would have.
According to New York Daily News’ Kristian Winfield, “sources familiar with Durant’s thinking tell the Daily News the star forward has been less than enthralled with Simmons.” If that’s true, that should be enough for Brooklyn to shop Simmons, but that seemingly isn’t a route that the Nets can take. Simmons is making $35.4 million this season and will make $37.9 million in 2023-24 and $40.3 million in 2024-25. What team would want to take that contract on based on how he’s played?
Simmons has missed Brooklyn’s last four games with knee soreness and is listed as questionable for the Nets’ game on Monday against the Clippers. He had his best game of the season on Jan. 25 against the Sixers as he finished with 12 points (5-of-7), five rebounds, and five assists. That’s the first time since May of 2021 that he scored more than 10 points.
Needless to say, Brooklyn not being able to explore a Ben Simmons because of his trade value could play a role in Kevin Durant possibly leaving the Nets. Wouldn’t that be a shame?
