Ben Simmons Thrilled With New Opportunity After Trade To Nets

Well, Ben Simmons got his wish. So did the 76ers, who traded him to the Nets in the blockbuster James Harden deal.

Now, Simmons will get to team up with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving (at least part of the team in Irving’s case). 

And for the first time this season, it seems Simmons is ready to play an actual game. He hasn’t since his meltdown against the Hawks in last year’s Eastern Conference semifinals.

Per Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports, Simmons welcomes the change of scenery and is already “on the same page” as the rest of the Nets. Simmons has even already had talks with Durant, Haynes reported.

In other words, Simmons believes the grass — and the games — can be greener away from Philadelphia.

“We’ve got to work to do to get him back to play, but it’s a great step in right direction,” Simmons’ agent, Rich Paul, told ESPN.

Also, ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne reported that the plan is for Simmons to continue to work with his therapist and get mentally ready to play, just as he was doing with the 76ers. So he may not debut right away.

The Nets sure could use him, though. With Durant injured, they have lost 10 straight.

Along with Simmons, the Nets acquired center Andre Drummond and shooting guard Seth Curry, both of whom should add much-needed depth. 

But Simmons was the prize, and he will give the Nets not only additional size, but an extra ball-handler when Irving is out, as well as a top-notch perimeter defense.

Brooklyn, in fact, could be a perfect place for Simmons. With Durant, Irving and others, the Nets won’t need him to make a bunch of outside shots (a good thing) or even score tons of points. They will just need him to be the Simmons he was before that playoff series vs. Atlanta.