Ben Simmons now key to Nets’ rebuild with Durant, Irving on their way out

The Nets’ roster goes to be in a state of flux as they put together for the post-Kevin Durant period. Whereas it’s additionally a foregone conclusion they are going to be buying and selling away Kyrie Irving, they're anticipated to maintain Ben Simmons as a part of their rebuild. 

That might be noteworthy, as a result of Simmons’ presence on the roster would stop them from buying and selling for some other participant on a chosen rookie extension, thus ruling out bringing again Miami’s Bam Adebayo, Phoenix’s Devin Booker, Boston’s Jayson Tatum, Denver’s Michael Porter Jr. or (if he indicators his extension after midnight) New Orleans’ Zion Williamson. 

Simmons shared an image on Instagram of himself sitting within the Nets locker room with a smile and the caption “feeling unbelievable.” 

The Aussie level ahead after all may nonetheless be moved, though The Athletic studies the Nets are planning to maintain the 25-year-old acquired from Philadelphia for James Harden. 

An Instagram Story screenshot of Ben Simmons sitting in front of his locker with the caption: "Feeling incredible."
Ben Simmons doubtless can be key to the Nets’ rebuild in a post-Kevin Durant/Kyrie Irving period.
Ben Simmons/Instagram
Nets guard Ben Simmons warms up before Game 3 of the first round NBA playoffs between the Nets and Celtics.
Nets guard Ben Simmons warms up earlier than Recreation 3 of the primary spherical NBA playoffs in opposition to the Celtics.
Corey Sipkin

On Thursday, Brooklyn retained combo guard Patty Mills and heart Nic Claxton, in addition to traded for Utah small ahead Royce O’Neale

Mills opted out of his $6.2 million deal to return on a two-year, $14.5 million pact. Restricted free agent heart Claxton inked a two-year, $20 million deal, first reported by ESPN. 


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With the upheaval in Brooklyn making it more durable to recruit free brokers, the 6-foot-7 O’Neale arrives through commerce. The Nets shipped out a 2023 first-round decide — the lesser of their choice, Houston’s and Philadelphia’s — to Utah. The deal used Brooklyn’s $11.3 million commerce exception acquired from the 76ers within the Harden deadline transfer. 

O’Neale averaged 7.4 factors and 4.8 boards this previous season, with taking pictures proportion splits of 46/39/80. 

Free agent goal heart Isaiah Hartenstein reportedly signed throughout city with the Knicks for 2 years, $16 million, and JaVale McGee inked with the Mavericks. 

The Nets are shedding not simply Durant and Irving, but in addition a lot of their teaching workers. Amar’e Stoudemire is gone, whereas David Vanterpool and Adam Harrington — an in depth Durant confidant — have additionally reportedly been let go. There could also be extra modifications within the entrance workplace as properly in an offseason of upheaval.


With the Nets in a transparent rebuild mode, veteran free agent heart Andre Drummond agreed to a two-year, $6.6 million take care of a contending Chicago crew, in keeping with The Athletic.

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