Ben Simmons is finally out of Philadelphia, ready to start a new chapter with the Brooklyn Nets. The Australian point guard left a hostile environment in Philly and is headed to New York as part of the blockbuster trade between the Sixers and Nets.
James Harden is on his way to the City of Brotherly Love, happy to leave a complex situation in Brooklyn, but the same can be said about Ben. The Australian is yet to play an NBA game this season after his collapse against the Atlanta Hawks last season.
While the trade was brewing between the two Eastern Conference contenders, it looked like Simmons reached out to his potential new teammates trying to kick off things the right way. That’s how he talked with Kevin Durant, the biggest star in Brooklyn, about his potential arrival.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski, KD is welcoming Simmons with open arms, ready to help him get to his best level after nearly a year without playing competitive basketball.
Ben Simmons has already talked to Kevin Durant and Sean Marks, @KlutchSports’ Rich Paul tells ESPN. Simmons is eager to join Nets and ramp up for a return to play this season, Paul says. “We’ve got to work to do to get him back to play, but it’s a great step in right direction.”
Ben Simmons has already talked to Kevin Durant and Sean Marks, @KlutchSports' Rich Paul tells ESPN. Simmons is eager to join Nets and ramp up for a return to play this season, Paul says. "We've got to work to do to get him back to play, but it's a great step in right direction."
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 10, 2022
This is great news for Simmons and the Nets. They still have championship aspirations and adding a player like Ben, who can take care of the offense even with Kyrie on the court is a great addition. He needed a change of air after his tumultuous tenure with the Sixers.
Durant and the Nets have big expectations for this trade and we can’t wait to see how the future looks for Harden in Philadelphia and Simmons in Brooklyn.
