Ben Simmons' contract with Brooklyn Nets: Which teams can make shock move for troubled guard ahead of NBA trade deadline?
Ben Simmons' contract makes the Brooklyn Nets guard one of the highest-paid players in the league. He ranks 21st for the 2022-23 season with $35.4 million owed for his services.
Simmons is under contract until the summer of 2025, which is why the Nets will need a miracle to move him before the NBA trade deadline. Not only is he an overpaid player who has two more years on his contract, but he's also having the worst season of his career.
A couple of teams spoke to the Nets regarding the 6-foot-10 guard. However, he may not be moved this season.
Ben Simmons' contract makes him one of the most overpaid players in the NBA
The Brooklyn Nets have decided to completely rebuild their roster before the trade deadline. They sent Kyrie Irving to the Dallas Mavericks, while the Phoenix Suns acquired Kevin Durant.
Ben Simmons' contract is the largest contract left on the team, which is why the Nets may look to send him to another team. Unfortunately, considering that the 3-time All-Star is having a horrible season, it will be hard for Brooklyn to trade him for valuable pieces.
The Toronto Raptors, who have also considered retooling their roster, might be a suitable destination for Simmons. However, they will have to give up several pieces to match salaries, including Fred VanVleet, who will most likely be a free agent next summer.
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If the Nets offer Simmons to the Raptors, the Canadian team will most likely ask for several draft picks in return. The Raptors would only have to keep VanVleet for a few months before they get his contract off the books.
Ben Simmons to the Washington Wizards?
Another Eastern Conference team that could acquire Simmons is Washington. If the Wizards decide to move Kyle Kuzma, they could send him to Brooklyn along with Will Barton and Kendrick Nunn.
In return, the Wizards will get Simmons and Yuta Watanabe with a few draft picks to sweeten the deal. The move would give the Nets financial flexibility in the future as they'd take on several expiring contracts.
The Wizards will get draft picks they could use to improve their roster in the long term. Considering they have Bradley Beal under contract until the summer of 2027, it is very unlikely they will be able to compete in the East.
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If the Nets decide to ship the former Rookie of the Year before the trade deadline, finding a team to take him is going to be extremely difficult due to his contract. However, it is certainly not impossible.