The Nets have Ben Simmons, and Simmons has just not been the same player in Brooklyn. I don’t know if it’s the bigger market, playing with KD, dealing with Kyrie, or just the yips, but he hasn’t been great. Brooklyn desperately needs some good wings to help out this team defensively and to create more spacing around their stars. The Hornets are struggling this season and potentially could want to bottom out for Victor Wembanyama. Both sides get exactly what they want here.

The Nets acquire SF Gordon Hayward and SF Kelly Oubre Jr. for PF Ben Simmons, a 2023 Philadelphia FRP and a 2025 2nd. The Nets add to their wing depth and add players in Hayward and Oubre who could help them contend for a championship. Championship teams need wing depth to win, and the Nets add to that stockpile now. Now they could play any two of Curry, Harris, O’Neale, Hayward or Oubre next to KD and Kyrie at any given time and do well. They also get off the 3 year contract of Simmons, while giving up one of the assets in the Harden deal and a worthless 2nd.

Potential Lineup of Irving, Harris, Hayward, Durant, and Claxton

Bench of Curry, Oubre Jr, O’Neale, Warren, and Sharpe

The Hornets acquire PF Ben Simmons, a 2023 1st via Philadelphia, and a 2025 2nd. Here the Nets are betting on Ben Simmons returning to his original form and being a perfect player next to LaMelo Ball. LaMelo and Simmons both dominate the fastbreak and can both dominate in that facet of the game. Simmons catching lobs from LaMelo, as well as playing in a smaller market, may allow Simmons to play with less pressure and become a cornerstone defensively with the Hornets. The Hornets also now have an increased chance for Victor Wembanyama, and a core 3 of LaMelo, Prime Simmons, and Victor would be unbelievable. For the Hornets, it’s worth the risk since their current core isn’t taking them anywhere.

Potential Lineup of Ball, Rozier, Martin, Simmons, and Plumlee