Rumors: Dallas Mavericks not interested in Ben Simmons trade

The Dallas Mavericks are searching for a second star to pair with Luka Doncic, who pushes them into title contention. They will have all their first-round picks to trade in the summer of 2023, and the chance to add an All-Star-caliber player. Can general manager Nico Harrison and the Mavs find a deal that pushes them into title contention?

Some reports suggested the Mavericks were currently targeting Ben Simmons. The three-time All-Star missed all of last season, and he is currently working his way back from a knee injury. Simmons has struggled in his first nine games with the Nets, but that was to be expected after so much missed time.

Simmons is far from the All-Star and Defensive Player of the Year candidate that he was in Philadelphia, and Marc Stein put the Mavs rumors to rest (subscription required) in his Substack on Nov. 14.

Rumors: Dallas Mavericks not interested in Ben Simmons trade

Stein pulled zero punches about the team’s interest, and even mentioned that the Mavericks were likely used to create leverage from the player’s side. Simmons is averaging just 5.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 1.1 steals in 27.2 minutes per game thus far. The injuries and unwillingness to shoot are worries, and his defense has been far from elite in the early going.

Trading for Simmons makes the Mavericks worse, and there are zero questions about that. Dallas wants floor spacers around Luka Doncic, and they need stout defenders. Simmons has shown flashes of his All-Defensive form, but it is not there yet. Without the elite defense, the 6’10 point guard cannot make up for his offensive limitations.

Fans know that Marc Stein is as locked in as anyone on the Dallas Mavericks, so they are clearly not interested in acquiring Ben Simmons from the Brooklyn Nets. Dallas does not want to give up draft capital for a marginal upgrade, and trading for Simmons could be repeating the same mistake they made with Kristaps Porzingis.

If the 6’10 point guard hits the market, do not expect the Mavs to be the team that acquires him.