Amid an alarming drop in his offensive game coupled with more woes at the free-throw line, Ben Simmons’ market value is the lowest it’s ever been and ironically enough that’s what may save him from being traded by the February 10 deadline.
Simmons has looked a shadow of himself for the Brooklyn Nets, averaging a career low 7.4 points, 6.5 rebounds and 6.4 assists per game and Nets coach Jacques Vaughn has benched the Australian late in games with his lack of aggressiveness at the basket a growing concern for his new team.
Simmons can still defend and provide for his teammates, but his current output does not match his $35 million salary and Brooklyn officials are reportedly frustrated by the 26-year old, with Vaughan seen rolling his eyes when talking about Simmons’ knee soreness after the team’s loss to the Pistons last week.
Before his move to Brooklyn, Philadelphia wanted a top 25 star in return for Simmons in the trade that eventually saw him transfer to the Nets for James Harden.
Now, it’s understood the Nets are ready to part ways with the Aussie as his value drops amid a disappointing first season.
But it’s not that simple.
While reports claim Brooklyn, sitting fourth in the East, is looking to be active before the deadline and is in the market for upgrades, Simmons’ current form and his contract make him virtually untradeable.
Simmons is taking up a big chunk of the team’s salary cap and is the team’s third-highest paid player behind Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. If the team were to trade him away, they would most probably have to part with draft capital to do it.
The Athletic’s John Hollinger said Simmons was being paid “roughly three times what he’s worth” while fellow reporter Alex Schiffer described the Aussie as “closer to a taxpayer’s midlevel player.”
“As for trading Simmons, good luck with that,” Hollinger wrote. “The Nets would need to attach draft picks, not receive them, and — last I checked — they need a permission slip from the Rockets to do anything with any of their draft capital.
“I just don’t see any cap situation right now on another roster where exchanging for Simmons would be helpful, and that won’t change unless either Simmons plays better or another player on a huge contract plays badly enough that trading him for Simmons becomes palatable. (Although, I must admit it would be hilarious to see a Simmons-Tobias Harris challenge trade that sends him back to Philly).
“I mean, would you trade Simmons to Dallas for Davis Bertans and Tim Hardaway, Jr.? Those are the types of deals you’re probably looking at.”
Fellow Aussie Patty Mills could also be traded considering his low salary and his solid form.
A report from The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor states Brooklyn is exploring moves for Joe Harris ($18.6 million), Seth Curry ($8.5 million) and Mills ($6.5 million) given their moveable salaries and considering they’ve had reduced roles this season.
Mills still has what it takes to perform in the NBA, scoring 21 points in 26 minutes off the bench in the win over the Lakers this week.
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