“Automatically heightens any team!” – Former NBA player urges Ben Simmons to team up with Kevin Durant’s Phoenix Suns
Gilbert Arenas proposes a bold move for the Phoenix Suns, urging them to trade for Brooklyn Nets’ Ben Simmons.
Follow Us
Ben Simmons and Kevin Durant
The new NBA season is almost here and while teams can boast of being ready, the Phoenix Suns have entered training camp with 14 of 15 roster spots solidified. And while there’s a fierce battle for the last spot, former NBA player Gilbert Arenas suggested a wild addition to the roster.
Gilbert Arenas made this known during a recent episode of his show, Gil’s Arena, where he proposed the addition of Brooklyn Nets forward Ben Simmons to the lineup. Simmons, on paper, looks like the ideal option but his injury record ruins the option from a sporting perspective.
Let’s say Ben Simmons is averaging 14, 8, and 8, and they trade him. He automatically heightens any team he goes to because you’re getting an All-NBA defensive player. The Phoenix Suns, you’re thinking about teams that can automatically change the roster. There’s gonna be a West Coast team that is gonna benefit from playing Ben Simmons basketball.
Gilbert Arenas said
And while on a good day, the trade makes a lot of sense, Simmons’ $40.34 million salary is another roadblock. However, a trade would only be possible if the Suns traded one of their stars, such as Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, or Bradley Beal, which is financially and strategically impractical.
Ben Simmons teaming up with Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns might be the move ?? pic.twitter.com/IQYCsKNHiL
— Gilbert Arenas (@GilsArenaShow) October 2, 2024
Additionally, due to Simmons’ sad injury record, he has only played 57 games over the past three seasons, which raises concerns about his durability. And while he says he is fit and ready to go for the new season, former player Shaquille O’Neal remains his biggest critic till date.
Ben Simmons opens up on injury recovery
The Brooklyn Nets held their media day in New York and fans were thrilled by one of the key players, Ben Simmons, who was present and spoke at the event. The injury prone three-time NBA All-Star discussed his recovery in a seven-minute interview with YES Network.
He has been on the bad end of a challenging back injury that limited him to only 15 games last season due to a back injury. During the interview, he reflected on the difficulties he faced throughout his rehabilitation.
There were nights where it was so hard for me to get out of bed and get into the gym, knowing physically I was broken down, but there’s something in me. I just want to play this game at a high level. I’m a competitor… I’m here again, I’m ready to go, I’m excited.
Ben Simmons said
There’s no doubt that when fit, he is one of the league’s apex predators and if he is to maintain his fitness and stay healthy, the Nets would be a force in the Eastern Conference. Last season, the Nets ended the 11th seed with a 32-50 record, and unfortunately missed the playoffs for the first time since 2018.
Stay Updated!
Ubong Archibong
(1284 Articles Published)