The Brooklyn Nets climbed to above .500 for the first time this season after weathering another Ben Simmons’ absence with a 113-107 win over the Washington Wizards Wednesday night at home.
It was the third straight win for the Nets, but it took another huge effort from Kevin Durant, who had 39 points, and Kyrie Irving, who added 27.
With Simmons out for the first of at least three games due to a left lateral upper calf strain, the Nets were outrebounded by 16, 51-35, but they still got away with the win as the Wizards shot poorly from deep (6 of 24).
Joe Harris had his second straight double-digit scoring with 14 points. He rediscovered his shooting touch, matching a season-high 4 of 6 three-pointers after going 5 for 30 over Brooklyn’s previous five games.
His resurgence should boost his trade value, as the Nets’ longest-tenured active player could be on the move.
The Nets reportedly inquired about Atlanta Hawks forward John Collins.
“I’m told the Nets have indeed touched base with Atlanta about John Collins. [It’s] Just interesting because that’s, I think the Nets are in search of some help along the frontline. John Collins can certainly help them. I’m not sure how far along those talks went. But they’ve certainly engaged recently, so something to keep an eye on there.”
SNY’s Ian Begley via The Putback
Collins is averaging 12.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.4 blocks while shooting 48.4 percent. While he’s shooting only 21.9 percent from deep this season, he’s a career 36.2 percent three-point shooter.
Potential Nets Trade Packages
A one-on-one swap with Harris or the injured Simmons won’t make the math work.
If Atlanta would settle for Harris to replace Kevin Huerter’s shooting and provide a veteran presence for their young core, Brooklyn would have to add another salary and possibly draft capital.
If the Hawks are intrigued about Simmons as a defensive lynchpin flanked between their All-Star backcourt of Trae Young and Dejounte Murray, they have to pony up more than Collins in a potential trade.
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