The perception of Ben Simmons around the NBA shifted following his performance in the 2021 Eastern Conference Semifinals before it slipped with his standoff with the Philadelphia 76ers during the 21-22 season.
After Simmons was traded to the Brooklyn Nets, he was unable to play in any games and subsequently underwent back surgery.
With Simmons representing a major part of Brooklyn’s trade of James Harden, the franchise doesn’t want to trade him when his value is at its possible nadir.
“His trade value is at an all-time low,” wrote Zach Lowe. “For their part, the Nets are wary of selling low on Simmons and cannot afford to view him as mere throw-in.”