It’s evident that Ben Simmons could greatly benefit from a fresh start in a less high-pressure environment. In this case, the stable and rebuilding Spurs appear to be the perfect destination for his hypothetical career revival. However, accurately assessing his value poses a challenge.
Simmons had a completely inactive season in 2021-22 and struggled to regain his form in the 42 games he played for the Nets last season. His refusal to attempt jump shots and his hesitancy to initiate contact near the basket led to his career-low scoring average of 6.9 points per game. It’s possible that his health played a role in this decline.
Fortunately, according to the New York Post’s Brian Lewis, Simmons is unlikely to require a second back surgery. It’s also worth considering that his subpar performance could be attributed to the experts’ prediction of an 18-month recovery period following a microdiscectomy he underwent in May 2022.
San Antonio’s significant cap space enables them to absorb Simmons’ contract without any issues. If the Spurs believe that the potential upside justifies parting ways with a proficient shooter like McDermott and a late first-round pick from the Suns, they can handle the remaining two years and $78.2 million on Simmons’ contract.
Once again, evaluating Simmons’ value proves to be a challenge. If the Spurs were to demand a first-round pick in return for providing the Nets with much-needed cap relief, it wouldn’t be an unreasonable request. On the other hand, if Brooklyn determines that Simmons’ value is too low to trade him at this point, they might consider waiting until the 2024 deadline in hopes that improved health will generate a more favorable market.
Considering the circumstances, Simmons could certainly benefit from a fresh start and a clean slate. The Spurs have the potential to offer him just that.
