"This is the very definition of 'my problem for your problem’” - Chris Broussard believes Brooklyn Nets will be winner of a potential Davis and Westbrook for Irving and Simmons swap
The LA Lakers and the Brooklyn Nets were widely considered favorites to win the 2021-22 NBA title, but the former failed to make the playoffs and the latter crashed out in the first round. These circumstances have put both teams back in the roster building phase.
Rumors have sprung up regarding a possible swap between the LA Lakers and the Brooklyn Nets. The proposed deal will see Kyrie Irving and Ben Simmons move to LA in exchange for Russell Westbrook and Anthony Davis.
"AD and Russ for Kyrie and Simmons is the very definition of 'my problem for your problem.' But I don't hate it. ... The Lakers are the ones taking the biggest risk. The Nets, AD would be great. KD knows how to play with Russ." — @Chris_Broussard https://t.co/WN16HzQWg4
Speaking on First Things First, Chris Broussard said he understands the possibility of such a deal getting nipped in the bud.
“This is the very definition of ‘my problem for your problem.’ I mean this is ‘my problem for your problem’ on steroids. But I’m gonna be honest Nick – I don’t hate it.”
For the Lakers, Irving will be reunited with his championship partner from his Celeveland days, while Ben Simmons, who is often compared to LeBron James for the way he plays, will get to be mentored by the great man himself.
The Brooklyn Nets are likely to be the winners of this deal. Westbrook and Durant had quite a ride together in Oklahoma, before parting ways in an unpleasant manner. That could also factor into the probability of this trade going through.
Kyrie and LeBron in L.A. Russ and KD together again in Brooklyn. 🍿
Who says no? 🧐 https://t.co/hnD04Kg7GC
Broussard also went on to highlight the points in favor of the Brooklyn Nets, as he said:
“I know it’s fashionable to rip Russell Westbrook now – well, AD obviously is great – but Westbrook and KD – it worked. I know they didn’t win a championship, but that was a very good team.”
Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant caused problems for strong units like the San Antonio Spurs and the Golden State Warriors when they were together in Oklahoma. However, with the way things ended between them, it is hard to imagine them fighting for a championship together.
Should the Brooklyn Nets retain the services of Kyrie Irving?
The previous season was quite a challenge for the Brooklyn Nets, as they had to play without their stars on the floor quite often. Kyrie Irving was out of action due to a vaccine mandate, while Kevin Durant and James Harden had injury problems. That left Steve Nash with rotation issues throughout the regular season.
Later on, Ben Simmons arrived on the scene, but he is yet to feature for them. The Nets struggled with their defense in the first round of the playoffs, with Celtics' Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown putting on a show.
Hypothetically, Ben Simmons would have made them better defensively, given his size and length.
"When it comes to a lengthy contract ... it's not just about your abilities. It's about your availability and your willingness to be available to capitulate and participate in the best interest of TEAM."
—@stephenasmith on Brooklyn's hesitancy on extending Kyrie Irving contract. https://t.co/AplrbGPhiX
Given that the trio of Irving, Durant and Simmons are yet to be seen in action together, Broussard feels that Irving should be retained.
“Ideally, if I’m the Nets – ideally, I come to a compromise with Kyrie. In which lets say he wants a four-five year max, and we settle on a three-year max.
“If I’m them, I want to try to see what I can do with Ben Simmons, Kyrie and KD.”