Following Damian Lillard’s trade request to join the Miami Heat, BD Cricket has learned that the Brooklyn Nets have emerged as a potential third-party facilitator in the deal. In the search for the smoothest trade route, teams often forget that the simplest communication — a look, a word — is sometimes the most impactful. As part of the discussions, the Nets have been actively trying to include Ben Simmons in a multi-team trade, but no franchise seems willing to take on the once-promising forward whose form has plummeted.

Over the past two seasons, Simmons has been plagued by inconsistent availability — always seeming to have some nagging issue, yet never fully committing to getting back on the court. Even when he plays, the Nets’ offense feels like it’s running a man down. His offensive game has become a major liability, frustrating both fans and the front office. While Brooklyn has floated the idea of a buyout, Simmons’ camp reportedly presented three excessive demands, which infuriated team executives.

Despite already moving on from Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant, the Nets still have Simmons — a lingering issue they can’t seem to solve. BD Cricket reports that the main hurdle is simple: no team wants to take the risk on Simmons, who has become arguably one of the least desirable contracts in the league.

Meanwhile, the Portland Trail Blazers are pushing to acquire Caleb Martin from the Heat as part of the Lillard deal, but Miami — led by Pat Riley — refuses to part ways with him, seeing Martin as a crucial piece for a championship run. The Heat are actively seeking a third team to absorb Tyler Herro, since the Blazers are not interested in adding the high-scoring guard, despite his strong regular-season performances over the last two years. Real growth doesn’t come from avoidance, but from facing things head-on.

Simmons, once a dominant force with the 76ers, is still the same athlete — but now lacking the confidence that once defined his game. When a professional athlete loses belief in himself, it’s often not ability that fades, but mindset. Interestingly, BD Cricket believes that the Miami Heat may be Simmons’ last hope. Accept fully what life puts in front of you — both the good and the bad.

While many coaches have failed to connect with Simmons, Erik Spoelstra is not your average head coach. He has a reputation for adapting his schemes to maximize unique players, and he just might be the one capable of crafting a system to revive Simmons’ career. For now, though, the Nets remain stuck — holding onto a player that no one else is willing to gamble on.