The Brooklyn Nets and Atlanta Hawks both had disappointing 2021-22 NBA seasons. With that said, the urgency each squad should be feeling ought to vary.

It would be hard to identify a team with a more pressing need to win next year than the Nets. Much of their draft capital is depleted. Meanwhile, rumors continue to circle this group: and not the good kind.

Apparently, the organization is apprehensive about offering Kyrie Irving a long-term extension, in light of fair questions about his long-term commitment to basketball.

It’s also been suggested that if they let Irving walk, Kevin Durant will trail behind. Rock, meet hard place.

As for the Hawks, they can afford to relax a little more. After all, franchise player Trae Young is only 23. They might be able to afford patience to a player who needs it. A player like, for example, Ben Simmons.

Here’s a summer blockbuster that puts them in a position to do so.

Brooklyn Nets receive: C Clint Capela, F Danilo Gallinari, 2022 First-Round Pick (ATL), 2024 First-Round Pick (ATL)

Atlanta Hawks Receive: G/F Ben Simmons

Let’s talk about malleability as a basketball concept, shall we?