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

Will the Brooklyn Nets trade Ben Simmons? How do Dallas Mavericks factor in?

Simmons’ trade value is at an all-time low after missing an entire season and experiencing confidence issues the last time he was on the floor, but the Nets may need to trade him to maximize the return they can get for Kevin Durant.

KD wants out of Brooklyn, and the Nets do not want to rebuild. They want to put together the most competitive roster possible, which means trading Durant for a young star.

Simmons limits the list of players the Nets can acquire because he is on a Designated Rookie extension. NBA teams are only allowed to have one player they acquired via trade on that type of deal. Keeping Simmons makes names like Donovan Mitchell, Bam Adebayo, and Trae Young ineligible to be dealt to Brooklyn in the return for Durant.

Will the Nets trade Simmons, so they can get back another Designated Rookie for KD? They are exploring those scenarios, especially after he missed an entire season.

The Dallas Mavericks need a player like Simmons. He can handle the ball, make plays, and play stout perimeter defense. The 25-year-old’s jumper is non-existent, but he is otherwise a perfect fit next to Luka Doncic when healthy. Do the Mavs have enough to trade for him?