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.

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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?