Could the Dallas Mavericks trade for Ben Simmons? Will they?

The Dallas Mavericks are still reeling from Jalen Brunson leaving to join the New York Knicks in free agency. He had a breakout fourth NBA season and was the second-leading scorer on a team that reached the Western Conference Finals before departing for the Big Apple. It was another Mavs swing and miss in free agency, but this one stung a bit more because Brunson was a homegrown player.

Dallas has done little to replace JB. They traded for Christian Wood, who could theoretically be the team’s second-leading scorer, but he cannot handle the ball and make plays. The Mavericks signed JaVale McGee with their mid-level exception. He helps solve their rebounding and rim protection woes, but the seven-footer is a role player. Dallas drafted Jaden Hardy, but a playoff team counting on a rookie does not seem wise.

If the Mavs want another ball-handler, it will have to come via trade. Kyrie Irving is available, but the seven-time All-Star is not the ideal fit in Dallas. The Nets are facing turmoil right now, and they could look to trade Ben Simmons. Does that present an opportunity for the Mavericks?

Could the Dallas Mavericks trade for Ben Simmons? Will they?

Simmons has not played in an NBA game since June 2021, and that night is difficult to forget. The 6’11 point guard passed up an open shot at the rim in a tight game that helped eliminate his Sixers. Then, came the holdout and a post-trade back injury that kept the 25-year-old on the sidelines for the entire 2021-2022 season.

Will Ben Simmons play a game for the Brooklyn Nets? His contract complicates a Kevin Durant trade, which could force his current team to move him. Could the Dallas Mavericks take Simmons at a discount? Let us take a look.