NBA Trade Rumors: Kyrie Irving for Ben Simmons? Why the Nets-76ers deal will (and won’t) work
Two months after the 2021-22 regular season, there’s already plenty of NBA action worth writing home about.
None of that involves Ben Simmons or Kyrie Irving.
After a come unexpectedly for the team’s pre-season, Simmons is still unfit for the 76ers, as it looks like his time with the franchise is over. By mid-December, all signs were that trade talks were starting to intensify and a move could be imminent.
THAN: Lakers, Knicks emerge as Simmons suitors
Meanwhile, in Brooklyn, the Nets are without Irving, who has been unable to join the team due to his vaccination status. Before the season, the team made it clear that Irving wouldn’t be able to join until he “eligible to be a full participant.”
Under current New York City COVID-19 guidance, unvaccinated Knicks and Nets players are not allowed into their home turf to play games. Irving doesn’t adhere to local protocols, leaving Brooklyn wondering when (or if) his status will change. However, in recent days, there has been growing optimism that Irving could join the Nets this season.
So there are two prominent contenders in the Eastern Conference looking to stay on the championship track and prevent these situations from turning toxic. Why don’t the 76ers and Nets take calls and swap stars? It is very simple! It works on ESPN Trading Machine and everything!
OK, so it’s a bit more complicated than just matching the salary. Let’s analyze the cases against and against this hypothetical blockbuster deal.
Why Kyrie Irving-Ben Simmons Trading Works
Irving will immediately dismiss the gap concerns that have plagued the Simmons-Joel Embiid partnership. Irving had the most productive season of his career in 2020-21, shooting from the field 50.6%, three-pointers 40.2% and free throws 92.2%. Imagine Irving attacking with a dribble with Embiid rolling into the basket, or Embiid posting knowing that, if he gets a double, he can kick out before Irving.
Plus, Irving will actually be available to play every game for the 76ers. There is no mandatory vaccine regulation in the city of Philadelphia or the state of Pennsylvania, and visiting players are not subject to the same rules in New York City.
As for the Nets, they will be able to highlight all of Simmons’ strengths and cover up his weaknesses. Brooklyn had best strike rating in NBA last season partly because of it shoot nearly 40 percent from outside the arc as a team. Simmons has shown that he can thrive whenever there are a lot of gunmen around him.
What happens when the game gets tight and the opposing teams want to foul Simmons as soon as he touches the ball? Just let the offense pass James Harden and Kevin Durant.
More importantly, the Nets will have a member of the all-defensive First Team capable of handling the toughest task each night and helping Durant de-stress. Even in the midst of a post-season meltdown against the Hawks, Simmons can causing problems for Trae Young.
OK, so glad we figured that out. Call the federation office and make it official.
Why Kyrie Irving-Ben Simmons Trading Doesn’t Work
Whoa, not so fast there.
The begin of the year, Athletic’s Sam Amick recently reported that, while Simmons’ camp did not “remove Brooklyn from its roster,” the 76ers were not interested in Irving. Philadelphia remains hopeful that Damian Lillard or Bradley Beal will eventually hit the trade block. (A Lillard-Embiid pairing is a dream scenario.)
THAN: Sixers interested in ‘about 30 players’ in exchange for Simmons
In addition, the Sixers will have no guarantee that Irving will stick with the franchise for the long term. Irving has two years left and about $71 million left on his current contract, but he has a selection of players for the 2022-23 season. He could play through the 2021-22 campaign and then pick another team in free agency. There is also “belief in some corners of the league” that Irving will seriously consider retiring if the Nets decide to trade him, by Marc Stein. (Irving push back those retirement rumors in an Instagram Live video on October 13.)
Despite the recent ultimatum to get vaccinated or stay at home, Brooklyn’s key office hasn’t given any indication that it wants to break up the “Big Three”. Irving and Durant come together as a package deal in the summer of 2019. Although the final decision will rest with owner Joseph Tsai and general manager Sean Marks, Durant could strongly oppose any deal. Irving’s translation.
As exciting as the idea of an Irving-Simmons transaction sounds in theory, it doesn’t seem realistic – at least right now.
