After pulling off a blockbuster trade that allowed the Nets to bring in Ben Simmons and part ways with James Harden, things are suddenly starting to look up again in Brooklyn. There's no denying that a trio of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and Harden at full health would've been able to compete for the title this year, but with the uncertainty of The Beard remaining with the team beyond this year, pulling the trigger on a deal for Simmons was the smartest move for them to make.

In this post we'll be breaking down three bold predictions for the Nets during the second half of their campaign after acquiring Simmons via trade. With the Nets currently in a hole they desperately need to dig themselves out of, let's now discuss how Simmons fits into their game plan moving forward.

Nets predictions after blockbuster trade for Ben Simmons

The Nets will have a new-and-improved defense with Ben Simmons in the fold 

Whether or not KD and Kyrie are coming back at full capacity this season, the Nets front office did great work luring Simmons away from Philly while ridding themselves of what was becoming an unworkable situation with Harden. In Simmons, the Nets have gained one of the most versatile defensive players in the world that would help them out a ton on the boards.

Simmons would also be able to lockdown the opposing team's best offensive player with the game on the line. As one of the lower ranked defensive units in the NBA, Simmons will be able to elevate their play on that end of the floor while helping the Nets to disrupt some of the top scoring teams in the league.

Brooklyn will run a more fluid offense with Simmons at point guard

As a natural facilitator and slasher, Simmons' game will be the perfect complement to Durant and Irving which will in-turn allow them to run a more fluid offense. Not to mention his athleticism and ability to penetrate will enable him to finish at the basket with ease or kick it out to Durant, Irving, Joe Harris, Seth Curry, Blake Griffin, or Patty Mills for a wide open jumper.

They'll now be able run a highly efficient up-tempo offense and possibly even led the league in fast break points and 3-point shooting with Simmons' court vision and elite ball-handling that will take Brooklyn's offense to another level. Plus Simmons' ability to run the floor, this will make him the ultimate lob threat in the Nets' transition offense. With the Nets' high octane scoring attack, they'd be able to cover up Simmons' offense deficiencies while reaping the benefits of all his other offensive skillsets.

The Brooklyn Nets will return to playing a winning brand of basketball 

With the addition of Simmons to go along with Curry and Andre Drummond, the Nets will bolster a more complete roster and have balanced play on both ends of the court. They'll boast a lethal mix of size, scoring, defense, agility, and unmatched team chemistry with their star-studded roster. In their continued quest to win an NBA championship, the Brooklyn Nets have upgraded their roster a whole bunch while changing the future outlook of their franchise. At just 25 years of age, Simmons will have a bright future ahead of him while playing for the Nets.