Could Brooklyn Nets trade Ben Simmons before he ever plays a game for them? Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

Ben Simmons did not play at all this season due to a combination of a holdout, mental health issues and a back injury. Despite his odd behavior, one team reportedly had some interest in him at the trade deadline.

The Athletic’s Chris Kirschner wrote in a fan mailbag article published this week that the Atlanta Hawks had interest in Simmons at the deadline.

“Several people inside the Hawks’ organization wanted Simmons at the trade deadline,” Kirschner wrote.

Kirschner believes Simmons is a player to keep an eye on as a potential addition for the Hawks this offseason.

Simmons underwent back surgery recently that he is hoping will resolve some of his issues, but some are wondering to what extent the back issues were related to some sort of mental problem.

Simmons was a bust for the Nets. Their general manager already seems fed up with the team and could be ready for more changes.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Suns to hire ex-NBA champion as new head coach
MVP Jokic, Nuggets blow out Timberwolves on road in Game 3
Panthers dominate Bruins again to take 2-1 series lead
ESPN has big plans for Caitlin Clark's WNBA debut
Angels superstar explains why he chose not to play through knee injury
Bears make big, but not surprising Caleb Williams announcement
Cardinals to sign WR who commanded extensive interest
Jayson Tatum refutes narrative that Celtics are a 'superteam'
Watch: Kyle Busch crashes in Truck Series race at Darlington
Oilers work overtime to tie Canucks at 1-1
Broncos release former Super Bowl champion WR
Former NBA big man sentenced to 40 months in prison
Peyton Manning reveals Bill Belichick's role on 'ManningCast' for this season
NBA Hall of Famer questions Knicks longevity in face of high playoff workloads
Falcons rookie QB Michael Penix Jr. details first interaction with Kirk Cousins
Insider reveals Mike Budenholzer's humongous contract figures to be Suns HC
Watch: Novak Djokovic accidentally struck, knocked down by metal water bottle
Legendary Cowboys HC clarifies misunderstanding regarding HOFer's death with same name
Raiders HC names leader in Aidan O'Connell, Gardner Minshew competition
Former MLB infielder Sean Burroughs dies at 43 years old