NBA Rumors Roundup: Brooklyn Nets talking Ben Simmons trade; Golden State Warriors not planning to trade Draymond Green, and more | November 4, 2022
The latest NBA rumors suggest that the Brooklyn Nets are in talks with a Western Conference team regarding a Ben Simmons trade. The Nets are in shambles on and off the court to start the season. Simmons has struggled in his first real season in Brooklyn.
Meanwhile, the Golden State Warriors are not planning to trade Draymond Green. The defending champs are also struggling to start the season, but they are not panicking just yet. Green's future has been in question since punching Jordan Poole in practice before the start of the season.
On that note, here's the latest NBA rumors roundup for November 4 brought to you by Sportskeeda:
Brooklyn Nets believe in Ime Udoka's character despite issues in Boston
The Brooklyn Nets are looking to hire suspended Boston Celtics coach Ime Udoka as a replacement for Steve Nash. Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPNreported that the Nets have already hired Udoka, who could join the team on their ongoing road trip.
Udoka was suspended for the season by the Celtics for violating team policy by having an improper consensual relationship with a female staffer. The Celtics have been quiet about the issue but would love to have Udoka out of their team.
According to Jake Fischer of Yahoo! Sports, the Nets' ownership and front office trust Udoka's character despite everything that has happened this offseason. It would be an interesting hire for the Nets. Udoka is a great coach, but the Nets are already dealing with a lot of off-court issues due to Kyrie Irving.
Brooklyn Nets in talks with West team about Ben Simmons trade
The Brooklyn Nets are off to a terrible start to the season. Part of their problem is Ben Simmons, who is struggling after more than a year off from playing basketball. It might be too early to make any trades, but the latest NBA rumors have linked Nets to a Western Conference team.
SNY's Ian Begley cited sources as saying that the Nets are looking to add a veteran shooter, with Simmons included in trade talks. Begley doesn't know if the negotiations are serious, but discussions apparently started before the Nets fired Nash.
Simmons is averaging 6.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, 7.3 assists and 1.2 steals in six games this season. He missed the last two games due to a minor knee injury and could miss more time. It's not looking good for Simmons, but he's only just 26.
Indiana Pacers view Bennedict Mathurin as future All-NBA player
Bennedict Mathurin has been a revelation for the Indiana Pacers this season. Mathurin is among the top-performing rookies to start the campaign alongside No. 1 pick Paolo Banchero. The sixth overall pick in this year's NBA draft is averaging 20.4 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists off the bench.
Pacers beat reporter Scott Agness of Fieldhouse Files recently appeared on the "HoopsHype" podcast with Michael Scotto. Agness said that the Pacers not only view Mathurin as a future All-Star, but as a future All-NBA player.
Mathurin and Tyrese Haliburton have the potential to become one of the best backcourts in the NBA.
"I think they view him as a potential franchise-changing talent," Agness said. "An All-Star is absolutely in the conversation. What about All-NBA? We're getting a little bit ahead of ourselves, but he's easily outperformed early expectations."
Golden State Warriors not planning to trade Draymond Green
Draymond Green might be playing his last season for the Golden State Warriors. Green has a player option for next season and could opt out to become an unrestricted free agent. Despite the possibility of losing him for free next year, the Warriors are not planning to trade the former NBA Defensive Player of the Year.
According to Zach Lowe of ESPN, the Warriors trading Green before the deadline is 'not on the cards'. Lowe added that reports of Green getting traded before the season started are just rumors. The Warriors have never considered parting ways with their aging defensive anchor.
Green is averaging 8.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 1.1 steals this season. However, the Warriors are on a four-game losing streak after starting the season with a 3-1 record.
Timberwolves might axe D'Angelo Russell from starting lineup if struggles continue
The Minnesota Timberwolves entered the new NBA season as legitimate contenders. They acquired Rudy Gobert from the Utah Jazz and added him to the pair of Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards. However, the Timberwolves are still trying to find consistency three weeks into the season.
Michael Rand of The Star Tribune reckons the Timberwolves might make some changes to their starting lineup if their struggles continue after 20 games. Rand pointed to D'Angelo Russell as a possible casualty.
Russell's poor performances from the postseason carried over to this season. He's averaging averaging 14.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 1.6 steals, while shooting 39.4% from the field and 27.9% from beyond the arc. He's also on an expiring deal, which means he will be an unrestricted free agent next summer.