They may have been wabbling before this, but the moment the wheels really fell off in Brooklyn was when the Nets were forced to trade James Harden and got Ben Simmons back as a key part of the package. Simmons was slowed by injury last season, and this season he has lost all confidence in his shot, and his game, and he has fallen from an All-NBA level player a few years ago to playing primarily as a backup five for the Nets now.
When talking about the Nets’ next steps — which role players do they keep, who do they trade, do they bottom out? — the first question is, what about Simmons? Jake Fischer touched on it at Yahoo Sports.
Simmons’ trade value has cratered. Simmons has two years, $77.9 million fully guaranteed on his contract, making this situation similar to the one the Lakers were in with Russell Westbrook — no team is taking on that Simmons contract without multiple first-round picks added as sweeteners. Brooklyn may be better off trying to find a way to raise his trade value, but with that contract they will have a tough time.
As for other players, Fischer says the Nets did not listen to offers for Miles Bridges at the deadline, but more offers will come in this summer and they may get too rich to ignore. Watch the Grizzlies, but other teams will call as well. Then there is Cameron Johnson.
Anyone paying Johnson that much is betting on his game developing, but at age 26 and entering his sixth season next fall, how much more will his game grow? He brings athleticism and is a career 39% from 3, the skills are there, but will it be enough to get an offer the Nets like?
It’s going to be an interesting off-season in Brooklyn.
