NBA Trade Rumors: Nets' Ben Simmons to Rockets?
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The Houston Rockets were once criticized for taking future draft capital instead of Ben Simmons when they were looking to trade James Harden.
While the Rockets were on the right side of history with that one, it may make sense now in 2023 to acquire Simmons from the Brooklyn Nets, who ironically acquired him for Harden in Feb. 2022.
Bleacher Report suggests that the Rockets could trade a future second-round pick for Simmons and an unprotected first-round pick in 2025.
"While Houston could chase certain bearded free agents, they could also use the money to take on bad contracts with draft incentives attached," Bleacher Report writes. "Enter Simmons, who fits this roster as a pass-first point guard who can defend multiple positions. Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr., Jabari Smith Jr. and company can still get their shots up, as Simmons has seemed perfectly content deferring to others."
This deal is a simple salary dump, but given the fact that the Rockets have more cap space than any team in the league, Houston can afford to take on a deal like this. Simmons has two years left on his deal worth about $78 million. The Rockets could treat Simmons like John Wall and simply ask him not to show or allow him to continue rehabbing his injuries without the pressure to play in front of some of the team's younger pieces.
The idea of Simmons, and who he once was, would fit the Rockets really well. However, the reality is that Simmons is a shell of his former self and is not worth the money that he's being paid. That being said, some team has to pay him this season, and if the Rockets can get an unprotected first-round pick while only giving up a measly second-round selection, the price may be right for Houston.
You can follow Jeremy Brener on Twitter @JeremyBrener.
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