As the NBA season nears, the Brooklyn Nets face a crucial decision that could shape their future. The $40 million remaining contract of Ben Simmons, once a liability, now stands as a lifeline. With trade discussions swirling, Ben’s salary might be the key to unlocking new opportunities for the Nets. Amid this financial maneuvering, the Brooklyn side had initially set their sights on acquiring Jimmy Butler. However, this dream is now in risky territory, as an analyst has urged the Nets rather go the opposite way with their vision.
NBA insider Keith Smith suggests, “If there is a Simmons trade, I would be doing everything I could to try to trade him and take on less bad money from the team.” He further highlights, “Get some assets in terms of picks or younger players that can really grow forward.” The analyst has emphasized that Simmons’ hefty final year paycheck of $40 million is something the Nets can tweak in their favor to gather valuable assets like draft picks or emerging talent, which could be pivotal for their long-term rebuilding plan.
“This is the worst team in the NBA. There’s not a whole lot that you’re invested in here other than maybe guys like Cam Thomas, Daron Sharp, and Noah Clowney.” Cam Johnson and Nic Claxton might be traded to get younger players or draft picks. With Nic, the Pels and several suitors were eyeing him in July, however, the Nets deemed him essential to their rebuild after Bridges’ departure.
On the other hand, Clowney, who shot 39% from three-point range in the Summer League, is a notable prospect for the future. Smith also points out on the NBA Front Office, “Noah Clowney last year, when he did get time, actually looked pretty good for the Nets.”
The Nets must carefully weigh the benefits of pursuing Jimmy Butler against the advantages of using Ben Simmons’ contract to secure future assets and talent. Balancing immediate star power with long-term potential will be crucial in shaping the team’s trajectory.
Will Jimmy Butler join the Brooklyn Nets?
In the high-stakes game of team building, pursuing aging stars is viewed as a risky strategy, often frowned upon by conventional NBA analysts and coaches. However, under the guidance of general manager Sean Marks, the Brooklyn Nets might be on the verge of defying this norm. Despite the usual skepticism around chasing seasoned veterans in their mid-30s, the Nets are exploring the possibility of adding Jimmy Butler to their roster.
The Nets are in a unique position thanks to their sharp trades, involving Mikal Bridges and Kevin Durant. They have acquired a lot of draft picks from these deals, which puts them in a good position to negotiate. This offers Brooklyn the flexibility to consider bold, immediate upgrades. According to Brian Lewis of the New York Post, “(Jimmy) Butler isn’t just open to Brooklyn, but fond of it.”
This isn’t the first time such news has emerged. Lewis previously reported Butler’s affinity for the Nets amid his uncertainty with the Miami Heat. “Now, he’s not a Net and he might never get close to becoming one. But to dismiss the possibility out of hand is foolish,” he wrote. This comes amid uncertainty about his future in Miami and his $52.4 million player option for the 2025-26 season, which allows him to test free agency.
Despite some tension with Heat president Pat Riley and the absence of extension talks, Butler’s interest is notable. He will be 35 when training camp begins. Should the Nets consider his potential move, or remain focused on their long-term rebuild?
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