Rumored Nets-76ers Ben Simmons trade package would never be of interest to BK

Here we go again. More “rumors” inserting the Brooklyn Nets into a conversation they likely want nothing to do with.

You know what’s going on in Philadelphia between the 76ers and Ben Simmons. It’s a never-ending rollercoaster than brings new drama each and every week. It’s exhausting and worth nobody’s time … especially a team like the Nets that has plenty of problems to deal with internally.

Does anyone really think Simmons would help that after Kyrie Irving’s absence has upended the Nets’ year? The 76ers point-forward has four seasons and $147 million left on his contract with the team, so this very well could be a long ride, but the Nets shouldn’t be interested in taking part in it.

As of right now, trade talks regarding Simmons are stagnant, but according to the Philadelphia Inquirer, the 76ers have a list of 30 NBA players they are willing to trade for if they part with Simmons. In this scenario, the “rumored” package is James Harden for Simmons. No thanks.

While Harden is struggling for his standards and the Nets badly need elite perimeter defense (and any defense, for that matter), they can’t afford to part with the offensive potential Harden brings to the table only to inherit another headache in Simmons.

Brooklyn Nets guard James Harden is a trade target for Philadelphia.

Even amidst Harden’s early season struggles, it’s hard to justify giving up on him. He’s averaging 21.2 points, 7.7 rebounds and 8.8 assists per game. While those numbers are a far drop from his days with the Rockets, Harden is still a bonafide superstar. He’s taking time to get back on track after his hamstring injury and the NBA rule change that no longer benefits him. Simmons can’t even shoot the ball.

Simmons averaged 14.3 points, 7.2 rebounds and 6.9 assists in 58 games for Philadelphia last season. Harden hasn’t been a consistent scorer for Brooklyn this year, but Simmons’ statistics prove that he wouldn’t be one, either. For his career, Simmons is averaging 15.9 points, 8.1 rebounds and 7.7 assists. His only noticeable difference-maker is 1.7 steals per game.

Additionally, the Nets don’t need to upend their roster like this to get better defensively. If they can patch up the manageable deficiencies and find their footing offensively without Irving, this is clearly a championship roster. Heck, they’re having a “bad” start to the year and are leading the Eastern Conference with a 12-5 record.

Simmons isn’t the answer … and parting with Harden after he’s played just 53 games with the team certainly isn’t, either.

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