After rumors swirled all summer about a possible reunion between D’Angelo Russell and the Brooklyn Nets, Bleacher Report proposed an unthinkable deal This would turn speculation into reality.
In this fake trade, the Nets manage to get rid of Ben Simmons’ $40 million contract while receiving Russell, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, and Jalen Hood-Schifino. The madness begins with the return packages from the other three teams.
Simmons is sent to Golden State, which also adds Austin Reaves and two first-round picks, in exchange for Stephen Curry, who lands with the Los Angeles Lakers. Los Angeles also brings in Brooklyn backup center Day’Ron Sharpe and Wendell Moore from the Detroit Pistons, who secures Dennis Schroder and Christian Wood.
If the Nets were able to get rid of Simmons and still get something in return, it might be Sean Marks’ most impressive feat yet. Unfortunately, that would depend on Golden State giving up the greatest shooter of all time for two first-round picks, which will never happen. Losing Sharpe and Schroder would also be a tough pill to swallow, given the former’s rise last season and the latter’s explosion at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
While this four-team proposal is an interesting one, it makes virtually no sense for any team other than Los Angeles. Pairing Curry with LeBron James would be a dream come true for Lakers fans, but that’s the only logic behind this proposal.
Fear not, Nets fans, the franchise will stay away from blockbuster deals for now.
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