Despite having other roster concerns, the Brooklyn Nets are interested in trading for Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell.

Donovan Mitchell trade rumors have heated up once more. With the Utah Jazz seemingly aimed at rebuilding and potentially targeting French big man Victor Wembanyama, the three-time NBA All-Star looks to be next on the trading block.

One team possibly in the mix is the Brooklyn Nets.

Yes, those Brooklyn Nets — the ones dealing with trade overtures from superstars Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant. As if they didn't already have enough on their plates, the Nets want to add this one, too.

Or maybe they could put all these on one big plate, but more on that later.

If the Nets have any chance of getting Mitchell, however, it will certainly mean having to package Ben Simmons in the deal. Both Mitchell and Simmons are covered by the NBA's designated rookie extension rule, which means no single team can acquire both players at this point.

Would the Nets be interested in a straight Mitchell-for-Simmons swap, though? In theory, it should work, but in reality, it may be a bit more complicated.

Recall that Simmons was just recently acquired by the Nets from the Philadelphia 76ers in the James Harden trade last season. Simmons is still rehabbing from an injury, and he has yet to play for the team. Reports have claimed that the Nets don't have any intention of trading Simmons, but if they do want Mitchell, there is just no other way.

Of course, if Simmons does stick around in Brooklyn, there's also a bit of uncertainty surrounding how he will perform. His back issues coupled with his perceived mental issues can be viewed as a significant risk.

On the other end, Mitchell is extremely efficient and reliable. The 13th overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft has blossomed into one of the league's most potent scorers. Last season, the 25-year-old averaged 25.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.5 steals per game while shooting 44.8 percent from the field and 35.5 percent from beyond the arc.

In contrast, Simmons put up 14.3 points, 7.2 rebounds, 6.9 assists, and 1.6 steals per game while shooting 55.7 percent from the field in the 2020-2021 season. He didn't play a single game in the 2021-2022 season for the Philadelphia 76ers or the Nets.

For the Nets, getting someone like Mitchell would potentially cushion the blow of losing either or both Durant and Irving. It would still be a rebuild, but Mitchell already provides a viable foundational star player.

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The perfect trade Nets must offer Jazz for Donovan Mitchell

The centerpiece

Ben Simmons is a sure thing, at least in terms of being part of any trade for Donovan Mitchell. The Nets would no longer have to incur so much risk with Mitchell around, while Simmons can form an interesting backcourt combination with Mike Conley.

The sticking point here is that the Jazz probably won't take just Simmons. Mitchell is a proven scorer, and Simmons is not. Utah would likely demand an additional piece to make this as balanced as possible.

Secondary piece

That additional piece could be no other than Seth Curry. The journeyman Curry had arguably his best NBA season yet in 2021-2022. He averaged around 15.0 points per game while also recording close to 50-40-90 shooting splits. Curry can provide the scoring and shooting that the Jazz would lose by shipping out Mitchell.

On the flip side, the Nets won't give up Curry for nothing, too. They could potentially get a first round pick in exchange for Curry or maybe even another guard like, gulp, Jordan Clarkson. On paper, in terms of trade rules and salaries, this kind of transaction could work, and it would also really jumpstart the Jazz's rebuilding efforts.

Alternative scenario

Having said that, maybe an even crazier, more explosive alternative trade scenario can take place. Since the Brooklyn Nets seem to be juggling so many plates right now, it might do them well to put all these potential trades in one huge single transaction.

Nets receive: Donovan Mitchell, Russell Westbrook, DeAndre Ayton, Suns 2023 first round pick, Lakers 2026 first round pick
Jazz receive: Ben Simmons, Torrey Craig, Nets 2023 first round pick
Suns receive: Kevin Durant
Lakers receive: Kyrie Irving

On paper, this four-way trade works. In terms of salaries, picks, and trade conditions, nothing will stop something like this from happening.

The Nets would get three stars to help them remain as serious contenders in the Eastern Conference along with a couple of picks for the future. The Jazz get Simmons plus a proven veteran in Torrey Craig and a pick to help their rebuild.

The Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers, meanwhile, get the big-name stars they want. Durant keeps the Suns among the elite, while the Lakers get their wish by reuniting Kyrie with LeBron in addition to a possibly resurgent Anthony Davis. Both teams will still have star-laden Big Threes.

It's crazy, but it may just work.