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.

Ben’s season with the Nets was shortened again because of the nerve impingement in his lower back. Since being acquired by the ball club in the 2021-22 midseason, the star guard only played in 57 regular season games. In the wake of inactivity issues, he is now just a shadow of his former self with the Philadelphia 76ers.

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 to 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 Mikal Bridges’ departure to the New York Knicks. They made the re-signing of Nicolas Claxton official on July 6, locking him into a four-year, $100 million contract.

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.” Notably, Smith is not the first one to project Ben’s trade as the lifeline for the Nets.

In March Greg Swartz had weighed in on the “dream offseason trade scenarios” for several NBA teams. “A dream scenario for Brooklyn is using this expiring money [Ben Simmon’s expiring contract of $40.3 million] to serve as a salary-matcher to bring in a star,” he had written. Notably, he had also pointed out last month that the Nets might soon trade is forward Cam Johnson and the expected return would be draft picks and/or young players. Two names that Swartz weighed in on were Isaiah Stewart and Tim Hardaway Jr.

Stewart has been an excellent starting power forward since his entry into the NBA as the 16th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. In the 2023-24 season, he averaged 10.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game while shooting 48.7% from the field and 38.3% from the three-point range. Despite that, it might not make much sense for the Nets since this might affect Noah Clowney’s development in that position, keeping in mind the team’s long-term restructuring plans.

On the other hand, Tim Hardaway Jr. might be an interesting option for the Nets. Hardaway is valued for his ability to score. Apparently, he can provide some much-need scoring and shooting for a Nets team that needs spacing. However, he did not play in eight of the Dallas Mavericks’ 22 games in their run to the NBA Finals, partly because of his inability to contribute beyond scoring. Another thing to keep in mind is that he is a 32-year-old who is entering the last year of his contract, which pays him over $16 million.

With all the options in hand, 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. But what is the status of Butler joining the Nets?

Will we see Jimmy Butler in the Brooklyn Nets’ jersey?

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. One more interesting factor is there.

Nets Daily’s Bob Windrem said that Jimmy Butler’s “interest in the Brooklyn Nets is very, very real.” The reason is rather intriguing. As Windrem puts it, “I can’t get into details for a number of reasons… Part of it is New York. Part of it is that Bernie Lee — who is Ben Simmons’s agent —is very happy with how his client has been dealt with by the Nets.”

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?

Feel that you can do with another update from the sport of basketball? Then do check out this recent interview with the up-and-coming Georgia Lady Bulldogs star Asia Avinger.